The shootings in Kentucky's grocery stores was a "possible hate crime"

The death of two African Americans in a grocery store near Louisville, Kentucky, is currently under investigation, which could constitute a federal hate crime, US officials said.

Gregory Bush, 51, was charged with murder and 10 unjustifiable endangerment for Wednesday's incident.

Police said he had opened fire on both victims in a Kroger grocery store on the outskirts of Jeffersontown town.

Officials say that he also tried to enter a black church shortly before.

Police Chief Sam Rogers said it was too early to confirm whether the shootings were racially motivated – but information confirms that Mr Bush was seen by security cameras trying to "get out". enter the first Jeffersontown Baptist Church about 10-15 minutes before the shooting at the Kroger store.

The church has a large number of African-American members,

The two victims of the shooting were Maurice Stallard, 69, and Vickie Lee Jones, 67.

Mr. Stallard was shot several times in the Kroger Shop, where he went with his 12 year old grandson.

A witness told a local Fox affiliate that he had protected the child, who had not been injured during the shooting, after escaping by screaming for help after having witnessed the attack.

Ms. Jones was then shot in the parking lot outside the supermarket.

A witness, Ed Harrell, exchanged shots with the suspect on the outside, but he escaped and was apprehended by officers a few minutes later.

Mr. Harrell told the local newspaper Courier Journal that he had confronted the shooter outside, who had told him, "Do not shoot me, I will not shoot at you." Whites do not shoot whites."

Police did not confirm the statement, but the FBI confirmed that it was investigating shooting alongside local authorities.

US District Attorney Russell Coleman in Louisville said Friday that he was investigating potential violations of federal law that "include potential violations of civil rights such as hate crimes."

In his statement, he said the shootings "are not taken lightly by the US government".

Bush has a criminal record of violent behavior and a history of mental illness, according to local media reports.

A judge had previously banned him from possessing firearms temporarily, reports the Associated Press.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said he was "sick, heartbroken and very angry" from the attack.

"We are a city – a proudly diverse and welcoming city – and we have a common future," he said at a press conference Thursday.

"Our city and our future have no place for anyone who looks at their fellow men with hatred or discrimination," he added.