US Charges Israeli Embassy Killing Suspect, Next Hearing June 18
A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC has been charged with first-degree murder, the murder of foreign officials, and firearm violations.
The attack, which occurred Wednesday night, is being investigated as a hate crime and could be eligible for the death penalty, according to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were killed as they left an event focused on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Police said the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, had purchased a ticket to the event and was seen pacing outside before opening fire on the group.
According to court documents, Rodriguez fired multiple rounds, reloaded, and continued shooting at close range.
He allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" during his arrest. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings and a 9mm handgun at the scene.
Rodriguez reportedly flew to DC the day before the attack for a work-related conference.
He worked as an administrative specialist at the American Osteopathic Information Association. Social media linked to him expressed strong pro-Palestinian views and admiration for past anti-Israel acts of violence.
Witnesses initially mistook him for a distressed bystander and offered him aid. A court hearing on Thursday resulted in his detention without bail, with the next hearing set for June 18.
Israeli and U.S. leaders condemned the shooting, with Israeli PM Netanyahu calling it a “heinous antisemitic murder,” and President Trump denouncing antisemitism and political violence. Security has since been increased at Israeli diplomatic sites globally.
A vigil was held in Kansas City for Milgrim, who had previously spoken out against antisemitism.
