Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, has been charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, who were shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on May 21. The shooting occurred after the couple attended an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. According to surveillance footage and witness statements, Rodriguez approached the victims from behind and fired multiple shots at them at close range, even as Milgrim tried to escape.
Rodriguez was arrested shortly after the incident and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder in D.C. and federal charges related to the murder of foreign officials. Upon his arrest, he reportedly declared, “I did it for Palestine.” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated the investigation would also explore motives of hate and terrorism connected to the shooting.
Lischinsky and Milgrim were engaged and active in peace-promoting initiatives aimed at reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. Lischinsky worked as a research assistant at the Israeli embassy, while Milgrim focused on peacebuilding and community engagement. Friends described Milgrim as a beacon of light, dedicated to combating antisemitism.
The firearm used in the attack was a 9mm handgun that Rodriguez had transported with him from Chicago. His actions and statements have drawn widespread condemnation as antisemitic and branded as a terrorist act by local and federal authorities. The tragic event highlights ongoing tensions related to political and religious violence, as well as the impact on communities advocating for peace.
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