Murder charges filed in killing of Israeli embassy staff in Washington

A man from Chicago has been formally charged in federal court with two counts of first-degree murder following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, an act widely condemned as antisemitic.

Elias Rodriguez, 30, allegedly opened fire on a group leaving a diplomatic event organized by the American Jewish Committee, a group advocating for Israel and combating antisemitism. According to police reports, Rodriguez told officers, "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza," and witnesses heard him shout "Free Palestine" after his arrest.

The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were a young couple engaged to be married, committed to fostering peace between Arabs and Jews.

Following the incident, Israeli embassies worldwide increased security measures. Besides the murder charges, Rodriguez faces additional federal counts including killing foreign officials and using a firearm during a violent crime.

Washington’s Interim US Attorney Jeanine Pirro described the case as eligible for the death penalty. The suspect waived a detention hearing at his initial court appearance, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for mid-June.

Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s possible political motives and writings, including a manifesto posted online condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and calling for armed resistance.

The FBI labeled the attack a terrorist act, though authorities believe Rodriguez acted alone. The shooting has intensified concerns over rising antisemitism amid the Gaza conflict.

Rodriguez was previously linked to left-wing groups but his former affiliations have distanced themselves from the crime. He worked for a healthcare nonprofit and held various research and writing roles.

Prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the shooting, emphasizing the need to combat antisemitism and hatred.

The event has deepened political divisions in the US over the Gaza war, with pro-Israel conservatives and pro-Palestinian activists clashing sharply.