WASHINGTON — A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees outside a Washington, D.C., museum has been charged with murder and could face the death penalty, federal officials confirmed Friday.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, appeared in federal court in the nation’s capital following his arrest at the scene. Prosecutors say Rodriguez killed the couple—identified as Israeli national Yaron Lischinsky and American citizen Sarah Milgrim—as they exited the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening. Both victims were Jewish and employed by the Israeli Embassy. The couple was reportedly planning to travel to Jerusalem over the weekend, where Lischinsky intended to propose.
Federal authorities allege that following his arrest, Rodriguez proclaimed, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and shouted “Free Palestine,” statements officials say point to a political motive behind what they are investigating as a targeted attack.
Rodriguez, who had no known prior criminal history, faces two counts of murder of foreign officials. Additional charges may follow as investigators continue to gather evidence, according to Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.
“This is a death penalty eligible case,” Pirro said during a press briefing. “But it is far too early to say whether the government will pursue that option.”
Rodriguez was not handcuffed during his court appearance and remained silent as the judge formally read the charges against him. MailOnline reported that he nodded as the proceedings unfolded.
The victims, described by friends and family as deeply committed to their diplomatic work and Jewish heritage, had just attended an event at the museum when the gunman opened fire. Surveillance footage and witness accounts suggest Rodriguez had been pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting.
After firing the fatal shots, authorities say Rodriguez entered the museum, where security detained him until police arrived.
Milgrim’s father, Robert Milgrim, told The New York Times that Lischinsky had recently purchased an engagement ring and was planning to propose in Jerusalem. “He was incredible,” he said of his would-be son-in-law. “He was very much like Sarah—passionate, extremely intelligent, dedicated to what he does, always on the cause of what’s right.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser denounced the violence. “This crime will not be tolerated in our city,” she said, noting the city’s history of confronting antisemitism. “In this moment, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder as one community.”
The Israeli Embassy in Washington issued a somber statement mourning the loss of two of its staff. “The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time,” the statement read.
President Donald Trump also weighed in on the attack via Truth Social, writing: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by ordering enhanced security for Israeli diplomatic staff around the world. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack as “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” expressing confidence that U.S. authorities will “take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.”
Federal investigators are treating the case as a potential hate crime, and law enforcement officials have not ruled out charging Rodriguez under terrorism statutes.
