Suspected Homegrown Terrorist Charged in Washington Shooting of Israeli Diplomats

Prosecutors have revealed substantial evidence against Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old suspect accused of shooting and killing two young Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in May. The evidence includes 1.5 million documents, extensive digital data, and recovered items from court searches.

Rodriguez appeared in federal court nearby the crime scene, wearing an orange jumpsuit, and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and hate crimes. During the brief hearing, he responded only with “Yes” and “No” to the judge and was noted to be in a shock-like state, wearing glasses and a suit despite being soaked with water.

According to court reports, Rodriguez, who had a history related to left-wing protests, flew from Chicago to D.C. with a handgun in checked luggage and bought a ticket to the event hours before the attack. Witnesses described him as acting in a distressed manner initially, but police reports detail how he allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he committed the killings.

Witnesses at the scene said Rodriguez positioned himself over his victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, before reloading his weapon and continuing to fire. After the shooting, he ran into the museum where bystanders who believed he was in shock approached him. When police arrived, Rodriguez claimed responsibility, stating he committed the acts for Gaza and shouting slogans supporting Palestinian resistance.

Rodriguez’s ties to radical groups and antisemitic social media activity were noted, with some reports indicating his association with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a group known for anti-Israel protests and rhetoric. Despite disavowing Rodriguez after the attack, authorities continue their investigation.

The indictment suggests the possibility of pursuing the death penalty, despite the district’s abolition of capital punishment in 1981.