A man, Elias Rodriguez, has been charged with additional terrorism-related offenses in connection to the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., last year. The new indictment revealed on Wednesday includes nine charges, some of which carry a potential sentence of death or life imprisonment, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Rodriguez, 31, allegedly opened fire at individuals leaving an event organized by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, both affiliated with the Israeli Embassy in Washington, involved Rodriguez firing approximately 20 shots from a semi-automatic handgun while shouting “Free Palestine.”
According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, the new terrorism-related charges carry a mandatory life sentence under D.C. Code, emphasizing the act as an act of terror. Rodriguez also allegedly authored a manifesto to justify his actions and incite political violence, as confirmed by Darren B. Cox, the FBI assistant director in charge of the Washington field office.
The shooting, widely denounced by global leaders, occurred amidst heightened tensions, including student protests in the U.S. regarding the conflict in Gaza. The war in Gaza, initiated as a response to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, as well as more than 70,000 Palestinians, reported dead since the commencement of the conflict.
Legal representatives for Rodriguez have not yet responded to requests for comments on the case. The incident has sparked international condemnation and discussions on combating antisemitism and political violence.