Suspect in fatal shooting of Israeli embassy aides charged with murder

Elias Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D. C. , on May 21. The attack is under investigation as a hate crime, with interim U. S.

Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicating that the death penalty may be pursued if Rodriguez is convicted. Witnesses reported Rodriguez chanting, 'Free Palestine' after the shooting, which left victims Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, dead. The couple was shot shortly after exiting a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee, where they were reportedly about to get engaged. In light of the incident, Israeli embassies around the world have heightened security measures. Pirro condemned the violence, calling it an act of cowardice against individuals based on their religion.