A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., last year faces new terrorism charges as per an unsealed indictment on Wednesday. The additional charges, totaling nine including hate crimes, carry severe penalties such as life imprisonment or the death penalty, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, allegedly carried out the attack during an event for young professionals and diplomats organized by the American Jewish Committee, an organization combating antisemitism and supporting Israel. He reportedly discharged around 20 rounds from a semi-automatic firearm while shouting “Free Palestine.”
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, both employed at the Israeli Embassy, were tragically killed in the incident. Rodriguez’s lawyers have yet to comment on the matter.
FBI Assistant Director Darren B. Cox stated that Rodriguez authored a manifesto to rationalize his actions and incite others to engage in political violence. The shooting, condemned globally, occurred amidst heightened tensions in the U.S. related to the conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s military response to Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7, 2023, led to significant casualties on both sides, with over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals and more than 70,000 Palestinians losing their lives since the conflict began.