In Washington, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez has been charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy employees—U.S. citizen Sarah Milgrom and Israeli-German national Yaron Lischinsky. According to investigators, the motive behind the attack was Rodriguez’s political support for Palestine.
Rodriguez was arrested at the scene on Wednesday. Court documents state that during his arrest, he shouted pro-Palestinian slogans. Federal authorities have classified the attack as a terrorist act and indicated that additional charges may follow, including hate crime allegations.
According to the FBI, Rodriguez traveled from Chicago to Washington with a registered firearm and opened fire near the Jewish Museum, where the victims were part of a group. Surveillance footage shows him approaching them from behind and firing multiple shots.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum building, where bystanders initially assumed he was a victim. He later confessed, stating he did it “for Palestine and for Gaza.”
The court hearing took place on Thursday. Rodriguez pleaded not guilty. He could face the death penalty if convicted.
The incident sparked international outrage: Israeli embassies around the world increased security measures, and global leaders condemned the attack. Israeli officials described the shooting as an antisemitic act of violence.
