Fatal Shooting Rocks Washington D.C.: Elias Rodriguez Accused of Murdering Israeli Embassy Staff
A chilling incident unfolded outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night, leaving two Israeli Embassy employees dead. Elias Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with their murder and could face the death penalty if convicted. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, an Israeli citizen with “official guest” status granted by the U.S. State Department, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, an Israeli Embassy employee, were shot multiple times as they left an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
Details of the Shooting
According to the FBI affidavit, surveillance footage captured Rodriguez approaching the couple from behind and opening fire without provocation. He allegedly continued shooting after they collapsed, pausing only to reload. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun, and a discarded magazine at the scene. Lischinsky was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m., while Milgrim was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. The couple was set to be engaged, and their deaths have sent shockwaves through the community.
Investigation and Arrest
Rodriguez was arrested shortly after the shooting and told police, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed,” and later shouted, “Free Palestine.” He reportedly expressed admiration for a protester who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024, calling the act courageous and saying the individual was a “martyr.” Rodriguez purchased a ticket for the Israeli event three hours before the shooting and flew from Chicago to Washington D.C. the day before, transporting the firearm used in the attack as checked luggage. The weapon was purchased legally in Illinois in 2020.
