Elias Rodriguez has been charged with first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy workers outside a Washington DC museum. Investigations are underway regarding the hate crime motive and further charges.
DC Shooting: Suspect Charged in Murder of Israeli Embassy Workers
DC Shooting: Suspect Charged in Murder of Israeli Embassy Workers
A Chicago man, Elias Rodriguez, faces first-degree murder charges after fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington DC, prompting investigations into potential hate crimes.
The suspect in the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, faces serious allegations as the attack is classified as a hate crime. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized in a news briefing that this is a death penalty-eligible case.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at approximately 21:08 local time, where Rodriguez opened fire on a group exiting the museum event, resulting in the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. Eyewitness reports indicate that Rodriguez shouted “free Palestine” during the shooting. He was apprehended by authorities shortly thereafter.
During a court appearance, Rodriguez was charged and ordered to remain in detention, with a subsequent hearing scheduled for June 18. According to an affidavit, he had purchased a ticket to the event just hours before the attack and had been seen pacing outside the venue prior to the shooting. Investigators recovered 21 spent 9mm shell casings at the scene and a handgun with its magazine found empty.
As authorities work to piece together Rodriguez's history leading up to the attack, they discovered that he had flown from Chicago the day before for a work conference. Social media accounts associated with him show a pattern of involvement in pro-Palestinian activities and sentiments against Israel.
The couple, who were honored by those attending the event, were known to have been deeply in love, with plans for marriage in the future. Tributes are being paid to them, including a vigil for Milgrim in her hometown of Kansas City.
Statements from global leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, have condemned the act as collateral damage of rising antisemitism, with Trump's call emphasizing the need to eradicate hatred and radicalism from society. Authorities continue to investigate Rodriguez's online presence and potential connections to extremist ideology.
