Interim U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against Suspect in Israeli Embassy Staffers' Deaths

Jeanine Pirro, the newly appointed interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, announced charges against Elias Rodriguez in connection with the shooting deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were engaged to be married. The incident occurred Wednesday night as the couple left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown D.C. Rodriguez, 31, faces two counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges related to causing death through a firearm, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and murdering foreign officials. Pirro emphasized that these crimes will not be tolerated and noted that Rodriguez could face the death penalty. The investigation is exploring potential terrorism and hate crime charges. According to court documents, surveillance footage showed Rodriguez approaching the couple, firing at them, and continuing to shoot even as they collapsed. He reloaded and fired again, with 21 9mm shell cases found at the scene. Rodriguez reportedly stated, "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza," and cried out for Palestinian freedom. Rodriguez, who purchased the gun in Chicago in 2020, flew to D.C. for a work conference. His gun jammed, potentially preventing further casualties. Authorities are appealing for public information regarding his movements prior to the shooting.

Published: 5/23/2025