The U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday that it will pursue the death penalty against Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old Chicago man charged with fatally shooting two employees of the Israeli Embassy near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
The shooting, which took place on May 21, claimed the lives of Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli national, and Sarah Milgrim, a U.S. citizen. Both were staffers at the Israeli Embassy and were attending a diplomatic reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the time of the attack.
Rodriguez was arrested at the scene and now faces multiple federal charges, including the murder of foreign officials, first-degree murder under D.C. law, and using a firearm during a violent crime.
“We are treating this as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, during a press conference with FBI and D.C. police officials. “The government will seek the death penalty in this case.”
Authorities say Rodriguez shouted pro-Palestinian slogans at the scene and told police he committed the shooting “for Gaza.” He allegedly purchased a ticket to the event only hours before opening fire with a handgun. Witnesses reported that the attack appeared premeditated and ideologically motivated.
According to court filings, federal prosecutors believe the attack qualifies for capital punishment under statutes involving the targeted killing of foreign officials and the use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 18.
The killings have drawn strong reactions from both American and Israeli officials. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter described the victims as “dedicated, peace-driven individuals who believed in cooperation between nations.”
Security has since been heightened at foreign diplomatic missions and Jewish institutions across major American cities.
While Washington, D.C. does not allow the death penalty under local law, the federal charges filed in this case override local jurisdiction, enabling prosecutors to seek capital punishment.
The case is being closely monitored both domestically and internationally amid rising concerns over politically motivated violence and the targeting of diplomatic personnel on U.S. soil.
