A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., last year faces new terrorism charges as revealed in an unsealed indictment on Wednesday. The fresh indictment adds four terrorism counts to the previous nine charges, including hate crimes, with some carrying potential penalties of death or life imprisonment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
The accused, Elias Rodriguez, 31, allegedly opened fire at individuals leaving an event organized by the American Jewish Committee, targeting young professionals and diplomats and advocating against antisemitism and in support of Israel. Prosecutors claim that Rodriguez discharged around 20 rounds from a semi-automatic handgun while shouting “Free Palestine.”
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, both employed at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, lost their lives in the incident. Rodriguez’s legal representatives have not provided any comments yet.
FBI Assistant Director Darren B. Cox stated that Rodriguez authored and circulated a manifesto to justify his actions morally and incite others to engage in political violence. The shooting, condemned globally by leaders, occurred amidst heightened tensions in the U.S., including student demonstrations, due to the conflict in Gaza.
The military confrontation in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli and foreign casualties. Additionally, more than 470 Israeli soldiers have died during the subsequent ground operations. Gaza health authorities report over 70,000 Palestinian fatalities since the same date.
The shooting incident has been labeled an act of terror by the FBI and has raised concerns about antisemitism and political violence.
