Elias Rodriguez charged for embassy shooting

A 31-year-old man named Elias Rodriguez has been accused of carrying out a deadly attack near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the death of two Israeli Embassy personnel. Authorities are considering the act both a hate crime and terrorism.

Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including murder and terrorism-related crimes, with prosecutors highlighting an anti-Semitic motive behind the attack.

The tragedy unfolded just after 9 p.m. when Rodriguez reportedly opened fire on Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, outside the museum located at 3rd and F Streets, NW. Witnesses described Rodriguez pacing nearby before the incident transpired.

Events of the Shooting Described by Witnesses

Surveillance footage from the scene allegedly revealed Rodriguez walking past the victims and subsequently discharging a firearm. After the initial shots, he approached the victims to fire several more rounds. As the victims attempted to move, Rodriguez reloaded and continued firing.

Following the gunfire, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum and admitted responsibility for the shootings, stating, "I did it." Upon arrest, Rodriguez declared his actions were driven by motivations "for Palestine" and "for Gaza," while wearing a red Kaffiyeh.

Rodriguez appeared in court on Thursday afternoon shortly after being arrested on Wednesday night. Authorities have scheduled a preliminary hearing for June 18 at 1 p.m., where further details are expected to emerge.

Legal Implications and Charges Explained

Charges against Rodriguez include federal accusations of murdering foreign officials, causing casualties with a firearm, and discharging a gun during a violent act. Locally, he faces two counts of first-degree murder following D.C.'s criminal statutes. If convicted, Rodriguez may face the death penalty.

The victims were a couple working at the Israeli Embassy and lost their lives while attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum. Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, emphasized the seriousness of the crime and the need for accountability.

Pirro stated that "violence based on religion is cowardly" and reassured the community that anti-Semitism would not be accepted, particularly in the nation's capital, further asserting that such atrocities "will not be tolerated by me, or this office."

Community Safety and Response Measures

In response to the attack, D.C. police have amplified their presence at religious institutions throughout the city as a safeguard measure. This is part of a broader effort to ensure the safety of the area's diverse community.

Investigators are delving into Rodriguez's background, examining his writings, travel patterns from Chicago, and electronic devices alongside possible links to other individuals or groups that may have influenced his actions. The FBI is spearheading this aspect of the investigation.

Elias Rodriguez's actions were reportedly inspired by admiration for Aaron Bushnell, a man who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in February 2024. Rodriguez viewed Bushnell as a "martyr."

Prosecutors and Officials Condemn Attack

Steven Jensen, another voice in the discussion, reiterated the targeted nature of the violence as "anti-Semitic" and underscored that such attacks would not be permitted to destabilize the community.

The legal system's response reflects a commitment to curbing hate-fueled violence and protecting individuals regardless of their background. Further charges related to hate crimes or terrorism may be pursued as the investigation proceeds.

This tragic episode has left the community mourning the loss of two promising lives and grappling with questions about safety and the broader implications of such a violent act. Authorities continue to work to reassure the public and bring justice to the victims and their families.