by Washington, D.C. – A Chicago man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum has now been indicted on federal hate crimes charges, escalating what prosecutors describe as a planned, ideologically motivated attack.
Indictment Unsealed in Federal Court
On Wednesday, court documents revealed that Elias Rodriguez, the 35-year-old suspect in the May shooting, has been formally charged with nine federal counts, including a hate crime resulting in death.
The indictment was filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., and includes a notice of special findings, which could allow the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty, depending on further legal decisions.
Targeted Killings Outside Jewish Museum
Rodriguez is accused of gunning down Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, both staff members of the Israeli Embassy, as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. Witnesses and surveillance footage confirmed that Rodriguez fired multiple shots, including execution-style rounds as the couple lay on the ground.
Authorities say he arrived in the D.C. area from Chicago just hours before the shooting, having flown with a handgun in his checked luggage. He purchased a ticket to the event about three hours before it began, prosecutors said.
Motive Tied to Antisemitism and Political Extremism
According to federal investigators, Rodriguez’s statements after the arrest revealed his motive. As police led him away, he was heard shouting:
“I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.”
Inside the museum, he reportedly told law enforcement:
“I did it. I am unarmed. I did it for Palestine.”
Court documents also note that Rodriguez referenced and praised an active-duty U.S. Air Force member who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in February 2024, calling the man “courageous” and a “martyr.”
These statements, combined with his actions and the context of the attack, formed the basis for the federal hate crimes indictment, with prosecutors alleging Rodriguez was motivated by antisemitism when he opened fire on the young couple, who were reportedly on the verge of getting engaged.
Details of the Attack
According to surveillance video and witness accounts, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before the attack. He then approached a small group of four people, pulled out his firearm, and began shooting.
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Prosecutors say Rodriguez reloaded his weapon and advanced toward the victims after they were already down, firing additional rounds. After the shooting, he entered the museum and calmly told authorities he was responsible.
Rodriguez had previously been charged with murder of foreign officials, but the latest indictment adds a federal hate crime dimension, significantly increasing the legal stakes.
What’s Next in the Case
Now that the grand jury has returned the indictment, federal prosecutors will prepare to argue that Rodriguez’s actions were premeditated and motivated by religious hatred. The Justice Department has not yet said whether it will formally pursue the death penalty, but the special findings notice in the indictment leaves that possibility open.
Rodriguez remains in federal custody, and further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.
Full case details and court documents were shared following the unsealing of the indictment on Wednesday, as reported by ABC News.
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