WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal grand jury has indicted Elias Rodriguez in connection with a shooting incident that targeted staff members of the Israeli Embassy following a diplomatic event. Federal prosecutors allege that hatred was a motivating factor in this violent crime.
Rodriguez, 29, is facing multiple charges, including murder of a foreign official, hate crimes, and firearms offenses, stemming from an incident that occurred on May 21. He had previously been charged by complaint earlier this year. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the shooting resulted in the deaths of two embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, while two others managed to escape unharmed.
The indictment details that Rodriguez purchased a ticket to a Young Diplomats Reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum. Before attending, he reportedly reviewed the AJC’s pro-Israel mission. Once the event concluded and guests exited, Rodriguez allegedly opened fire with a semi-automatic weapon, firing approximately 20 rounds at the departing attendees.
Following the attack, law enforcement officers apprehended Rodriguez, who purportedly told a police officer, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.” This statement, along with evidence gathered, led officials to classify the incident as motivated by hate. A troubling message was discovered on Rodriguez’s social media account shortly after his arrest, in which he called for violence against Israelis.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon condemned the act, emphasizing the Justice Department’s commitment to addressing violence fueled by intolerance. “This office will leave no stone unturned in its effort to bring justice to the innocent victims of Elias Rodriguez,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro for the District of Columbia. She highlighted that the charges of hate crimes underscore the malicious intent behind Rodriguez’s actions.
As the case continues, Rodriguez remains in federal custody. An initial court date has yet to be announced. The incident has ignited discussions around rising violence and anti-Semitism, with authorities stressing the importance of addressing hate-motivated crimes in society.