Suspect Shouts “Free Palestine” After DC Shooting \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Federal officials have charged Elias Rodriguez in the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington, calling it a targeted act of terrorism. Rodriguez reportedly declared his actions were “for Palestine” and “for Gaza.” The victims, a couple planning to get engaged, were honored for their commitment to peace.
Quick Looks
- Terror Charges Filed: Elias Rodriguez charged with killing Israeli Embassy staff.
- Victims Identified: Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, a couple planning to wed.
- Political Motive Cited: Suspect shouted “Free Palestine,” said killings were “for Gaza.”
- Calculated Attack: Flew from Chicago, brought firearm, targeted event attendees.
- FBI Investigation: Affidavit cites confession, online writings under review.
- Public Reaction: Jewish groups, officials condemn killings as hate-fueled and antisemitic.
- Victims Honored: Remembered as peacebuilders bridging religious and cultural divides.
- Global Tensions: Attack occurs amid rising backlash over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Deep Look
In a chilling act of politically motivated violence, federal prosecutors have charged Elias Rodriguez, 31, with the murders of two individuals affiliated with the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., following what authorities are calling a targeted terrorist attack. The shooting, which occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, left two young peace advocates—Sarah Milgrim, an American, and Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli—dead just moments after attending a diplomatic reception.
According to newly released FBI documents, Rodriguez told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and repeatedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody. The statement, made both at the scene and during interrogation, is central to the federal terrorism charges now facing Rodriguez, which include the murder of foreign officials and potential hate crime enhancements.
The shooting has ignited both national and international outrage. It also prompted increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide, as the attack coincides with heightened tensions surrounding Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Law enforcement officials, including Jeanine Pirro, interim U.S. attorney for D.C., emphasized the antisemitic nature of the crime.
“Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero,” Pirro said. “Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital.”
Planned, Calculated—and Political
The FBI’s affidavit lays out a deliberate and premeditated act. Rodriguez allegedly traveled from Chicago to Washington the day before the attack, checking a handgun in his luggage. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts suggest he waited outside the museum for the right moment, pacing nervously before confronting a group of four people and opening fire at close range. The two victims were shot multiple times—even as they lay on the ground—and Rodriguez appeared to reload and fire again before fleeing.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum and declared, “I did it,” according to the FBI. He was unarmed by the time he was apprehended and allegedly referenced the Air Force member who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in February, calling him a “martyr.”
Investigators are reviewing writings and online posts that may be tied to Rodriguez. They have also begun contacting family members, coworkers, and others from his community in suburban Chicago to build a clearer picture of his motivations and any possible affiliations.
Rodriguez made his initial court appearance Thursday, wearing a white detention uniform. He did not enter a plea and remained impassive as the court reviewed potential penalties, including the death sentence.
A Couple United in Purpose—and Tragedy
The victims, Sarah Milgrim, from Overland Park, Kansas, and Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen raised in Germany, had dedicated their lives to building peace and cross-cultural understanding. They were set to become engaged soon, adding another layer of heartbreak to the tragedy.
“Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, which hosted the reception. “We are in shock and heartbroken.”
Milgrim, remembered for her passion for sustainability and interfaith dialogue, had previously served as a youth leader and interned in Jewish advocacy. Friends described her as warm, driven, and compassionate.
“She had a passion for Judaism and for Israel, and she wanted to do some good,” said Marcia Rittmaster, a mentor from her youth congregation.
Lischinsky moved to Israel at age 16 and later earned a master’s degree in diplomacy at Reichman University. He served in the Israeli military and dedicated himself to public service. His friends say he often questioned his own assumptions, seeking to understand differing perspectives.
“He embodied the Judeo-Christian values and set an example for young people worldwide,” said Ron Prosor, one of his professors.
His Instagram bio featured a yellow ribbon, a symbol of solidarity with hostages taken during Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel—a tragic irony given the violence that would later claim his own life.
A Community Shaken
The annual Young Diplomats reception at the Capital Jewish Museum had aimed to foster cross-cultural conversation, particularly amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Attendees were stunned that such a violent act could occur at an event focused on humanitarian collaboration.
“This event was about humanitarian aid,” said Yoni Kalin, an attendee. “How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to help innocent people? And then here he is, just murdering two people in cold blood.”
As the investigation continues, Rodriguez is likely to face additional federal charges. Prosecutors indicated they are considering further hate crime designations, given the religious and ethnic identities of the victims, as well as the overt political rhetoric expressed during and after the attack.
What began as a peaceful gathering of global citizens and diplomats ended in tragedy—two lives stolen, a community in mourning, and a national dialogue reopened on the intersections of ideology, violence, and justice.
Suspect Shouts Suspect Shouts
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