Suspect in killing of Israeli embassy staffers charged with federal hate crimes

The man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli embassy employees outside a Jewish museum event in Washington, DC, has been charged with federal hate crimes – making him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Elias Rodriguez, who prosecutors say travelled from Chicago to carry out a premeditated attack on the couple in May, was indicted on nine counts by a federal grand jury this week. The charges include committing a hate crime resulting in death, motivated by the victims’ “actual and perceived national origin.”

Rodriguez is accused of killing Yaron Lischinsky, 30. And Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, as they left an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event at the Capital Jewish Museum on 21 May. Both worked at the Israeli embassy in Washington and were about to get engaged.

According to an FBI affidavit, Rodriquez paced outside the venue before opening fire on the pair, shooting nearly 20 rounds – including several after Milgrim tried to crawl away and sit up. He reloaded and continued firing, before discarding the weapon and walking back into the museum.

Witnesses said he shouted “Free Palestine” as he was arrested. Authorities later reported that he told officers: “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”

A red keffiyeh scarf was recovered at the scene, and prosecutors said Rodriguez had posted violent anti-Israeli rhetoric online. One scheduled post – set to go live hours after the shooting – claimed that anyone involved in Israel’s actions in Gaza had “forfeited their humanity.” Another post called to “vaporise every Israeli 18 and above.”

Previously charged with first-degree murder and the killing of a foreign official, Rodriguez will now face enhanced deferral charges. Prosecutors will have to prove he was driven by hatred towards Israelis, which experts say could significantly affect sentencing.

“We welcome these charges as an important step toward justice for the families of Yaron and Sarah, and the greater Jewish community,” the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement. “May their memories be a blessing.”

The double killing sent shockwaves through Washington’s diplomatic and Jewish circles and was one of several high-profile antisemitic attacks in the US this year. In April, the home of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was firebombed. In June, a fatal arson attack targeted a pro-Israel gathering in Boulder, Colorado.

A court hearing in Rodriguez’s case is expected on Friday.