Suspect in Custody After Embassy-Linked Shooting in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON — May 24 — A 30-year-old man from Chicago, Elias Rodriguez, has been formally charged in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed Thursday.
Rodriguez was detained at the scene by event security and taken into custody by D.C. police. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, he allegedly opened fire on a group of individuals exiting an event. The victims were later identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, both employees of the Israeli embassy who had recently relocated to the United States.
Charges and Investigation Underway
Rodriguez faces multiple federal and local charges, including:
- Murder of foreign officials
- Use of a firearm during a crime of violence
- Causing death through the use of a firearm
- Two counts of first-degree murder
Authorities say Rodriguez was not previously known to law enforcement and had no prior criminal record. The FBI has joined the investigation and is reviewing whether the shooting qualifies as a hate crime or act of terrorism.
“This was a heinous act,” said FBI Assistant Director Steve Jensen. “We are looking closely at motive, affiliations, and whether federal hate crime statutes apply.”
Suspect’s Background and Alleged Affiliations
Rodriguez, a graduate of the University of Illinois and a resident of the Avondale neighborhood in Chicago, had been working as an administrative specialist for the American Osteopathic Association. Previous roles included time at the History Makers, a historical archive organization.
The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) confirmed Rodriguez had a brief association with their group, but stated he was never a formal member and had not been involved since 2017.
“We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with this act,” the group said in a statement on X. “We have nothing to do with the shooting and do not support it.”
Arrest Footage and Statements at Scene
Authorities released video footage showing Rodriguez being arrested while shouting “Free Palestine” multiple times. Law enforcement confirmed the suspect indicated where the firearm was discarded, which was later recovered.
Witnesses say Rodriguez appeared to be pacing outside the museum shortly before shots were fired.
Victims Remembered
Israeli officials identified the victims as a couple who had planned to get engaged. The embassy and Capital Jewish Museum both issued statements expressing deep sorrow and support for the families.
The attack has heightened concerns about antisemitic violence, particularly as tensions surrounding the conflict in Gaza continue to rise.
No Active Threat, Officials Say
D.C. Police Chief Smith and Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized that there is no continuing threat to the public. Rodriguez is believed to have acted alone.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who visited the crime scene along with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, confirmed that the Department of Justice will lead the prosecution.
