The suspect accused of gunning down a young couple outside a Washington Jewish museum in what US authorities have called an anti-Israel hate crime is set to appear in court today to enter a plea to a raft of criminal charges.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, is facing nine federal charges including murder of a foreign official and perpetrating a hate crime resulting in death.
US prosecutors have alleged that Rodriguez was motivated by hatred of Israel when he fatally shot Israeli embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington on May 21.
The indictment cites statements Rodriguez allegedly made online prior to the shooting including a call to “vaporize every Israeli 18 and above.” Rodriguez told police at the scene, “I did it for Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza” and posted an online manifesto declaring that perpetrators and abettors of Israel’s military actions in Gaza had “forfeited their humanity,” according to court documents.
The indictment includes findings that would make Rodriguez eligible for the death penalty if convicted, the start of what would likely be a years-long process.
The suspect in the shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers at the Capital Jewish Museum, Elias Rodriguez, shouts ‘Free Palestine’ as he is arrested, May 21, 2025. (Screenshot: X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law)
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
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Thursday, September 4, 2025
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