Elias Rodriguez, 31, was charged Wednesday with federal hate crimes for the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside a Washington museum in May. The victims, engaged couple Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were targeted because of their Israeli nationality.

Rodriguez told police he acted “for Palestine” and was caught on video firing multiple shots, including after the victims fell. Authorities say he had a history of violent online threats against Israelis. He was arrested after confessing at the scene, according to Reuters.

Rodriguez faces murder charges and potential death penalty, with a court hearing set for Friday.