Chicago-native Elias Rodriguez, 31, faces federal hate crime and first-degree murder charges for the chilling shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on May 21, 2025.
Rodriguez was initially charged with murder of a foreign official and causing death through use of a firearm, following the incident that left Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim dead.
The indictment against Rodriguez includes two counts of hate crime resulting in death, as well as local charges for assault with intent to kill while armed. The maximum penalty for these charges is death or life imprisonment, with the Attorney General set to decide on seeking the death penalty.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized the Justice Department’s stance against violence motivated by hatred, stating, “This department will not tolerate violence motivated by hatred of faith or national origin.”
According to the indictment, Rodriguez traveled from Chicago with a loaded handgun and authored a manifesto titled “Explication,” advocating for violence against Israelis. He targeted Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Milgrim, C.S., and A.T., employees of the Israeli Embassy who were attending an event at the museum.
After the shooting, Rodriguez allegedly declared his actions in support of Palestine as he was taken into police custody. The FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating the case.
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Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Washington DC
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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