Information on the individual accused of murdering a couple near the Capital Jewish Museum
A 31-year-old man identified as Elias Rodriguez has been charged with the fatal shooting of two employees of the Israeli Embassy outside Washington D.C.'s Capital Jewish Museum. The victims, 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were killed in the attack on Wednesday night.
Police arrested Rodriguez at the scene of the crime and claimed he shouted "free, free Palestine" following the shooting. Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of murder of foreign officials, one count of causing the death of a person through use of a firearm, and one count of discharge of a firearm. He appeared before a magistrate judge on Thursday and agreed to have a public defender represent him. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 18.
The Italian ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described the victims as engaged to be married. Milgrim had reportedly purchased a ring this week and planned to propose during a trip to Jerusalem.
Investigators are currently reviewing writings attributed to Rodriguez, according to multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation. The FBI has not made any official statements on the matter.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooting, though Israeli Foreign Minister Gideo Sa'ar suggested it was a result of "toxic anti-Semitic incitement" against Israel and Jews worldwide. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed investigators believe the suspect acted alone.
Investigators suspect that writings they have obtained in the probe are legitimate and are a key piece of evidence in the case. According to sources, the writings express support for violent action against the Israeli state and encourage violence against the U.S. and American newspapers for supporting Israel.
The FBI questioned Rodriguez around 1 a.m. ET on Thursday, although the contents of the interview remain undisclosed. The criminal complaint filed against Rodriguez alleges he purchased the 9mm handgun used in the shooting on March 6, 2020, in Illinois.
The shooting took place outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The museum asks for visitors to turn their phones off and respect the quiet atmosphere as part of its security measures.
- The international community is closely analyzing the incident involving Elias Rodriguez, suspected of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees, as it has caused ripples in the realm of general-news, crime-and-justice, and politics.
- A video footage from the crime scene indicates that Rodriguez shouted "free, free Palestine" following the shooting, suggesting a possible political motive behind the act.
- An interview with Rodriguez early Thursday morning by the FBI hasn't revealed the exact motivation for his crime, but a preliminary analysis of his writings contains hints of alleged support for violent action against the Israeli state and encouragement of violence against the U.S.
- As investigators continue to probe the case, they believe Rodriguez's writings, which express extreme anti-Semitic sentiments and support for terrorism, will play a crucial role in the upcoming analysis and eventual punishment for the crime.
