WASHINGTON, May 24 – A man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington outside a Jewish museum told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal prosecutors said Thursday, describing the attack as a targeted act of terrorism and hate crime.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was arrested shortly after the Wednesday night shooting that killed Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American. The couple, who were about to be engaged, had just exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were attacked.
According to an FBI affidavit, Rodriguez traveled from Chicago with a handgun in his checked luggage and purchased a ticket for the museum event just hours before the shooting. Witnesses said Rodriguez had been pacing outside before approaching a group of four people and opening fire. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him advancing on the fallen victims, firing again at close range, and reloading before fleeing.
Rodriguez entered the museum afterward and surrendered, reportedly saying, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed.” Authorities also noted that he expressed admiration for an Air Force member who had self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024.
He was charged in federal court and could face additional charges as the investigation continues. Prosecutors say they are examining whether the attack was premeditated and inspired by online writings attributed to the suspect. The case is being investigated as both an act of terrorism and a hate crime.
“Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice,” said Jeanine Pirro, interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. “Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital.”
Israeli diplomatic missions globally have heightened security and lowered flags to half-staff in the aftermath of the killings. The incident comes amid heightened international tensions over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza against Hamas, raising concerns about potential acts of retaliatory violence abroad.
Rodriguez did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance. He remains in custody.
