Israel embassy staff shooting: Suspect charged with first-degree murder as probe continues

Elias Rodriguez, the 31-year-old suspect in the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, DC, was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder on May 22, along with other serious federal offences.

 

At his initial court appearance, Rodriguez entered no plea as prosecutors informed him the case could be eligible for the death penalty. Interim US Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro confirmed that charges including murder of foreign officials, use of a firearm in a violent crime and terrorism-related offences are under active consideration. A preliminary hearing is set for June 18.

 

Following the arrest, FBI agents in tactical gear raided Rodriguez’s home in Chicago, while investigators began examining his social media accounts, writings and professional affiliations. The FBI confirmed that Rodriguez was not previously known to them, and said they are coordinating with his employer, a medical association, to gather further information.

 

Authorities are also reviewing materials found at the scene and conducting interviews with people connected to Rodriguez to determine if he acted alone or was influenced by extremist rhetoric.

 

At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez was holding a red keffiyeh—commonly associated with Palestinian identity—and reportedly told officers, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.” As he was escorted from the crime scene, he shouted, “Free Palestine,” according to an FBI affidavit. Officials, including FBI spokesperson Steve Jensen, have categorised the incident as both an act of terrorism and a targeted antisemitic attack. Jensen stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public but acknowledged there are still investigative gaps.

 

The attack occurred on the evening of May 21, when Rodriguez allegedly waited outside the Capital Jewish Museum during a diplomatic event. As embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, left the gathering, he reportedly opened fire, continuing to shoot even after Lischinsky fell and Milgrim attempted to flee. The couple had been dating; Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to Milgrim soon during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

 

Rodriguez had travelled for a work conference from Chicago to Washington the day before the shooting, checking a legally owned firearm in his luggage. Officials have not yet established what triggered the violent outburst from a man with no known criminal history but say the case has the “full and unwavering attention” of federal authorities.

Middle East