Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder after the two Israeli embassy workers were shot and killed in front of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The shooting took place on Wednesday night after a reception organized by the American Jewish Committee, an organization that supports Israel and fights against antisemitism.
Rodriguez, who reportedly bellowed “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody, also is charged in federal court with murder of foreign officials and crimes with firearms. The FBI is examining a manifesto posted on an anonymous X account thought to have been written by Rodriguez in the hours leading up to the attack. Titled “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home,” the message attacked Israeli military campaigns in Gaza and seemed to advocate armed response.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were characterized by friends and advocacy groups as zealous bridge-builders between Arabs and Jews, devoted to Middle Eastern peace. The couple was said to be near the point of engagement.
After the shooting, Israeli embassies around the globe increased security. FBI Director Kash Patel called the act an act of terrorism, although US Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified that Rodriguez is thought to have acted alone. His political affiliations and writings are being scrutinized by investigators, some speculating connections to extreme left-wing activism.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez shot at a group of four individuals and later tipped off where he had thrown the gun, which was recovered. Rodriguez had no police record.
Witness Katie Kalisher described observing the suspect entering the museum looking troubled before saying, “I did it for Gaza,” and wearing a keffiyeh. Rodriguez was immediately arrested by police.
FBI officers were later observed raiding Rodriguez’s Chicago home, and the investigation continues.
