CHARLESTON, S.C. — The man accused of slaying nine parishioners as they worshipped at a South Carolina church was expected in court today to face dozens of federal charges, including hate crimes and obstructing the practice of religion.

Dylann Roof, 21, was scheduled to be arraigned in Charleston. The hearing, which was expected to be brief and would be his first appearance in federal court, was originally set for July 27 but was rescheduled to allow attorneys more time to prepare.

The federal prosecution, particularly on hate crimes, has been expected since the June 17 shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Church.

Roof faces 33 federal charges in all, some of which could potentially carry the death penalty. The Justice Department has not decided whether it will seek the death penalty against Roof.