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A man suspected of being anti-Israel is facing federal hate crime charges for allegedly shooting two individuals leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. in May. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago, is accused of fatally shooting Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim on May 21, 2025.
Rodriguez is believed to have acted alone, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.
The specific charges against Rodriguez have not been made public yet. More details about the alleged crimes are expected to be disclosed at a scheduled hearing in federal court on Friday.
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who were fatally shot leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, pictured at an undisclosed location. (Embassy of Israel to the USA via X/Handout via Reuters)
It is also anticipated that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will consider seeking the death penalty in this case.
Lischinsky, an Israeli, and Milgrim, an American, were both employees at the embassy. Lischinsky worked as a research assistant, while Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.
Authorities identified the suspect as Rodriguez, who was apprehended after the shooting incident. He was reportedly seen loitering outside the museum before approaching a group of four people, including the victims, and opening fire. Rodriguez then entered the museum, where he was detained by security. While in custody, he allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!”
Elias Rodriguez, the 31-year-old suspect accused of shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington D.C. (Instagram/@shinewithIsrael)
FBI agents are currently reviewing writings believed to be authored by Rodriguez. In Chicago, law enforcement agencies are conducting a search of his apartment, as reported by police sources.
Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department stated in a press conference that officers responded to multiple reports of a shooting near the museum around 9:08 p.m. on May 21. Upon arrival, a man and a woman were found unconscious and unresponsive. Despite efforts to save them, both victims were pronounced dead.
Smith mentioned that initial investigations indicate Rodriguez was observed pacing outside the museum before targeting a group of individuals, including the victims, and opening fire.
Security officers at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. following a shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
After the shooting, Rodriguez was detained by event security inside the museum. While in custody, he shouted “Free, free Palestine!”
On the night of the incident, the two victims were shot at close range during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum. The event was focused on finding humanitarian solutions for Gaza and was attended by young Jewish professionals working in foreign policy.
The Israeli Embassy expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Lischinsky and Milgrim, stating that they were “in the prime of their lives.” The embassy pledged to support the families of the victims during this difficult time.
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Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the two victims were in a relationship and were about to get engaged. Leiter shared that the man had recently purchased a ring with plans to propose to his girlfriend in Jerusalem.
