Washington DC shooting latest: Elias Rodriguez charged with first-degree murder of Israeli Embassy couple
Victims named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram while suspect identified as Elias Rodriguez
Jewish organizations in Washington, D.C. are reviewing security protocols at synagogues and other institutions, in the wake of the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers Wednesday night.
Ron Halber, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said that local law enforcement has increased patrols around Jewish institutions in Washington since the killings.
“A lot of us are looking over our shoulder today,” Halber told Reuters. “But we have to keep leading proud open Jewish lives.”
The two victims were named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a couple who were engaged. Lischinski's coffin arrived back in Israel on Friday, per ABC.
Chicago man Elias Rodriguez, 30, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder over their killings, which took place outside of a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
Rodriguez chanted “free, free Palestine,” according to police, after reportedly shooting at the couple at least 21 times. Court documents show that police recovered 21 fired bullets and a 9mm handgun from the scene, CNN reported.
It has since emerged that the suspect’s father, Eric Rodriguez, was invited to President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on March 5 this year by a Democratic lawmaker.
Recap: Young couple working at Israeli embassy gunned down in Washington, D.C.
If you’re just joining us, here’s the latest:
- Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead at 9.15 p.m. Wednesday outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The suspected gunman, who chanted “Free Palestine” as he was taken away by police, has been named as Elias Rodriguez, 30.
- Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the murder of foreign officials, causing death using a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
- The victims are Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, a young couple who were about to become engaged on an upcoming trip to Israel.
- Both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have denounced the killings as antisemitism and expressed their condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
FBI deputy director gives update on Israeli embassy shooting
The FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has revealed several updates on the deadly shooting of the two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
Bongino said that the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, was questioned by authorities early Thursday morning.
The FBI official said the agency was aware of “certain writings” that may have been authored by Rodriguez.
“We hope to have updates as to the authenticity very soon,” he said.
Bongino clarified that there is no ongoing threat to the public; however, he said, “I want the public to be assured we are following up on any additional leads to ensure we do our complete and total due diligence on this.”
Progressive congresswoman Ilhan Omar shares her condolences for Israeli embassy shooting victims
Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, has paid tribute to the two Israeli embassy workers who were fatally shot in Washington, D.C., last night.
Omar, a progressive who has shown support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war, wrote on X: “I am appalled by the deadly shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
“Holding the victims, their families, and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. Violence should have no place in our country.”
Trump 'saddened and outraged' by 'brutal murder' of Israeli embassy staffers
The Evil of anti-semitism must be eradicated from our society. I spoke to the Attorney General this morning, and the Department of Justice will be prosecuting the perpetrator responsible for this to the fullest extent of the law. Hatred has no place in the United States of America under President Donald Trump.
Trump speaks with Netanyahu to discuss Israeli embassy shooting
President Donald Trump has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the fatal shooting of the two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., last night.
Trump expressed sorrow over the shooting and support for Israel in its war with Hamas.
The president talked about securing the remaining hostages in Gaza, bringing the elimination of Hamas and the need to ensure that Iran, a supporter of the Palestinian militant group, does not obtain nuclear weapons.
Shooting is latest of suspected or confirmed antisemitic attacks this year
There has been a string of attacks with suspected or confirmed links to antisemitism this year, including the following:
- January 21: A man with permanent residency in the U.S. stabbed four people in a Tel Aviv restaurant, officials said.
- February 14: Luis Ramirez, 23, threatened to kill Jewish people at a Manhattan synagogue, according to officials.
- February 22: A 19-year-old Syrian man stabbed a 30-year-old Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial, police said.
- April 13: Part of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion was set on fire hours after he and his family celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover, officials said.
Watch LIVE: Mayor issues update on Israeli embassy staff shooting in Washington DC
Netanyahu lashes out at leaders of UK, France and Canada after D.C. shooting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada following last night’s shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
The prime minister said that pushing for a Palestinian state in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza, as proposed by those countries, would side with Hamas and reward them with “the ultimate prize.”
His remarks echo those of Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister for the diaspora and combating antisemitism, who accused UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “emboldening the forces of terror” that led to the fatal shooting.
Netanyahu posted an eight-minute video to social media on Thursday.
Watch here:
Suspect expected to appear in court today
NBC News reports that Elias Rodriguez is expected to appear in court today in Washington, D.C.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the network says he will appear before federal Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh for an initial appearance.