Suspect charged with murder in killing of 2 Israeli Embassy staffers

Elias Rodriguez has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, D. C. The attack occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez opened fire on a group of people, killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. He allegedly stated, 'I did it for Palestine' at the scene, prompting investigations into potential hate crime and terrorism charges.

U. S. officials have expressed alarm over a rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly in light of the current situation in Gaza. The American Jewish Committee has urged the federal government to enhance security measures in response to the attack. Rodriguez had no prior known encounters with law enforcement, and authorities recovered a 9mm handgun linked to him.