The primary suspect in the tragic shooting of two workers from the Israeli embassy near a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of first-degree murder. This information comes from a recent court filing by the U.S. Justice Department.
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Elias Rodriguez, 31 years old, now faces serious charges that include not only first-degree murder and the murder of foreign officials but also firearms offenses, as outlined in a federal criminal complaint filed in Washington.
This tragic incident occurred just outside the Capital Jewish Museum, located only 1.6 kilometers from the White House, during an event geared towards young professionals and diplomatic staff.
The victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26. This young couple were on the verge of engagement, a moment of joy that was tragically cut short.
In immediate response to the shooting, Israeli embassies worldwide heightened their security measures. Interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who was recently appointed by President Donald Trump, stated in a news briefing that the charges against Rodriguez could lead to a “death penalty-eligible case.”
During his first court appearance, Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 18, as noted by Pirro.
Following the incident, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lamented what he termed “the terrible price of anti-Semitism,” highlighting the ongoing issues of incitement against Israel. President Trump echoed these sentiments, stating on social media, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”
Rodriguez, originally from Chicago, was detained at the scene. Apparent video footage captured him with a bearded look, clad in a jacket and white shirt while vocally expressing sentiments of “free, free Palestine” as officers escorted him away.
As the situation unfolded, it is notable that the museum had recently received a grant aimed at enhancing security—an effort that now seems all the more pressing in light of rising anti-Semitism globally, which has surged following Israel’s military actions in Gaza since the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas.
The ongoing tension surrounding this conflict has drawn varying responses from countries worldwide, with Britain, France, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates condemning the shooting. In contrast, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attributed blame to European governments, asserting a “direct line connecting anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder.” Saar remarked, “This incitement is also perpetrated by leaders of many countries and international organizations, particularly from Europe.”
In response, French foreign ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine dismissed Saar’s comments as “completely outrageous and completely unjustified.”
Adding to the chaotic narrative, initial reports suggest that security personnel mistook the gunman for a victim and allowed him entrance into the museum, where he was even comforted by onlookers. “Some of the people at the event brought him water and asked, ‘Are you OK? Were you shot?'” recounted Yoni Kalin, a witness present during the event. The suspect, for his part, remarked, “Somebody call the cops.”
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith informed reporters that Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting, which occurred around 9 p.m. local time. “He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire,” she detailed. Chief Smith confirmed that following the shooting, he entered the museum and was detained by security, ultimately revealing the location where he had discarded his firearm.
The event was an annual reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), catering to young Jewish professionals and the Washington diplomatic community. Mr. Lischinsky served as a research assistant at the Israeli embassy while Ms. Milgrim worked within its public diplomacy sector, as reflected in their LinkedIn profiles. Mr. Lischinsky, a Christian, had also worked as a blogger for The Times of Israel and held a German passport, according to Germany’s foreign minister.
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, mentioned in discussions with reporters that the young couple were indeed preparing for engagement. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Mr. Leiter emotionally conveyed. “They were a beautiful couple.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
