A man accused of the cold-blooded killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington D.C. is facing the death penalty after being formally charged with murder.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, is alleged to have shot dead Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, both diplomats at the Israeli embassy, as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening. The pair, who were reportedly soon to be engaged, were walking together just after 9pm when Rodriguez is said to have attacked them from behind.
According to court filings, Rodriguez first fired on the couple, causing them to collapse to the ground, before approaching and discharging several more rounds at close range. Witnesses at the scene described a harrowing moment as Rodriguez allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” before entering the museum building, where he was swiftly apprehended by police.
Rodriguez, an employee of the American Osteopathic Information Association and originally from Chicago, appeared at a preliminary hearing on Thursday. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the murder of foreign officials, using a firearm to cause death, and discharging a weapon during a violent crime.
Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington, Jeanine Pirro, confirmed the gravity of the charges, describing it as “a death penalty eligible case.” She added that federal prosecutors were working “furiously and diligently” to gather and assess all available evidence.
During the brief hearing, U.S. District Judge Matthew Sharbaugh informed Rodriguez of the charges, including the possibility of capital punishment. Rodriguez, who remained composed throughout the proceedings, was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing scheduled for 18 June.
The murders have shocked the Jewish community in both the United States and abroad. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack, stating, “This crime will not be tolerated in our city,” and reaffirmed the capital’s commitment to fighting antisemitism.
Police Chief Pamela A. Smith announced increased patrols and law enforcement visibility throughout the city, urging residents to remain vigilant: “If you see something, say something.”
The FBI’s Steve Jensen said the incident is being investigated as “both an act of terror and targeted violence against the Jewish community.” Federal agents have reportedly recovered a number of writings believed to be authored by Rodriguez, which are currently under review. He is believed to have been in D.C. for a professional conference.
In response to the tragedy, federal agents raided an apartment in Illinois believed to be Rodriguez’s former residence, seeking further evidence.
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The attack has sparked international condemnation. Former President Donald Trump stated the killings were “obviously based on antisemitism,” while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer issued a statement declaring solidarity with the Jewish community.
However, the political fallout intensified as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sir Keir, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of “emboldening Hamas” with their recent joint criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister for Diaspora Affairs, added fuel to the fire, saying, “They have all, in different ways, emboldened the forces of terror through their failure to draw moral red lines. This cowardice has a price – and that price is paid in Jewish blood.”
As the case unfolds, questions remain about Rodriguez’s motivations and the potential role of extremist ideology. For now, the focus is on the investigation and the families mourning the loss of two young lives tragically cut short in what many are calling a targeted act of hate.
