WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal prosecutors have charged Elias Rodriguez with multiple federal and local counts after a deadly Washington DC shooting Wednesday evening that authorities say was an antisemitic terror attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, a 30-year-old Israeli diplomat, and Sarah Milgrim, a 26-year-old American citizen, were gunned down just steps from a reception for young Jewish professionals. The two, engaged to be married, were both affiliated with the Israeli Embassy and had attended the private event before being ambushed.
Rodriguez, 31, now faces terrorism charges in Washington DC, including murder of foreign officials, use of a firearm resulting in death, and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime. Additionally, he faces two first-degree murder charges at the local level, according to an affidavit released by the FBI.
The affidavit offers a disturbing account of the violence. Rodriguez allegedly walked past the couple before turning around, drawing a firearm, and opening fire. Surveillance video reportedly shows him approaching the victims after they had fallen, leaning in and firing more rounds. Sarah Milgrim, attempting to crawl away, was shot again multiple times before Rodriguez paused to reload and continued firing.
“Once the decedents fell to the ground, [Rodriguez] is captured on video advancing closer… leaning over them with his arm extended, and firing several more times,” the affidavit states. “As [Milgrim] attempted to crawl away, he followed behind and fired again.”
Police say Rodriguez admitted to the shooting on the scene. According to officers, he declared, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” while holding a red scarf identified by a witness as a kaffiyeh. As he was being escorted from the museum, Rodriguez reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine.”
In a Jeanine Pirro press conference Thursday, the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia condemned the killing of Israeli diplomat Yaron Lischinsky and his partner as an act of targeted hatred and terrorism.
“This was a horrific crime. Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice — not of heroism,” Pirro stated. “Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital. We are investigating this as a hate crime in DC and a terrorist act, and we expect more charges as evidence develops.”
The Capital Jewish Museum shooting has prompted a sweeping investigation by the FBI, Department of Justice, and local law enforcement. Authorities are reviewing Rodriguez’s digital communications, affiliations, and motivations to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a broader extremist network.
The killings have triggered an outpouring of grief and alarm across diplomatic and Jewish communities, with increased security now in place at Israeli and Jewish institutions throughout the capital.
As the nation reels from yet another act of ideological violence, officials vow justice for Sarah Milgrim, Yaron Lischinsky, and the communities they served.
