NEW : The U.S. attorney 's office , in consultation with local officials and other agencies , would determine if the slaying was a hate crime , which is a federal offense . ` Activist attributes ill will toward gays to some religious , political leaders ' ` ` racist rhetoric '' Puerto Rican gay community wants police to see if it was a hate crime . FBI is under investigation and is prepared to offer help , ' said . Suspect , 27 , was to attend Tuesday court hearing , which was postponed several times .
NEW : Activist attributes ill will toward gays to some religious , political leaders ' ` ` racist rhetoric '' Puerto Rican gay community wants police to see if it was a hate crime . FBI is under investigation and is prepared to offer help , ' said . Suspect , 27 , was to attend Tuesday court hearing , which was postponed several times .