DE News Desk :
A 31-year-old man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly fatally shooting two Israeli embassy aides in Washington, DC, in what authorities describe as a possible hate crime and act of terrorism.
Elias Rodriguez, a Chicago native, reportedly opened fire on Wednesday night near a young professionals’ event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The victims, 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were both affiliated with the Israeli embassy and had reportedly planned to marry soon.
According to court documents, Rodriguez told police at the scene, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.” Witnesses also reported hearing him chant “Free Palestine” as he was arrested.
Rodriguez faces additional charges, including the murder of foreign officials and discharging a firearm in a violent crime. Authorities have labeled the case death penalty-eligible. Interim US Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that investigators are treating the shooting as a potential hate crime and terror act.
The FBI is examining possible political motivations and writings attributed to Rodriguez, including a manifesto posted online before the attack that justified violence in response to Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Rodriguez has a past affiliation with leftist groups, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation and ANSWER Coalition, though both organizations have denied involvement and condemned the shooting.
Israeli embassies worldwide heightened security in the wake of the attack. Both US and Israeli leaders condemned the killings, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the suspect an “abhorrent antisemitic murderer” and former President Donald Trump demanding an end to such violence.
The investigation remains ongoing, with Rodriguez’s next court appearance scheduled for June 18.