A Chicago resident, Elias Rodriguez, accused of fatally shooting two staff members from the Israeli Embassy in May, now faces additional terrorism-related charges. This development stems from actions that took place outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, according to federal prosecutors’ announcement on Wednesday.
The U.S. attorney’s office in Washington has issued a superseding indictment against Rodriguez, 31, which replaces previous counts with a total of 13 charges. Among these are four new charges of acts of terrorism while armed. These charges underline the grave nature of the act, as highlighted by the U.S Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, who stated, “These additional terrorism-related charges carry a mandatory life sentence under D.C. Code, while also reflecting the reality that this act was in fact an act of terror.”
The incident involved Rodriguez allegedly using a semi-automatic handgun to shoot Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, firing approximately 20 rounds. Officials report that during the attack, Rodriguez shouted, “Free Palestine,” and subsequently entered the museum declaring, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.” It has been revealed in court that Rodriguez captured his actions on a body-worn camera.
Following the initial indictment, Rodriguez pleaded not guilty. However, records have yet to show a new plea or court appearance in response to the recent charges. The federal public defender appointed to Rodriguez had not commented on the new indictment by Wednesday evening.
Both victims, Lischinsky and Milgrim, were affiliated with the Israeli Embassy in Washington. The shooting occurred as they were departing from a “Young Diplomats Reception” at the museum. Tragically, Lischinsky, an Israeli national, and Milgrim, who hailed from Overland Park, Kansas, were planning to get engaged. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter noted that Lischinsky had intended to propose to Milgrim the following week in Jerusalem.
If found guilty, Rodriguez could potentially face either the death penalty or life imprisonment. However, the decision on pursuing the death penalty has not yet been communicated by federal prosecutors.
The more serious indictment charges Rodriguez with federal offenses including the murder of a foreign official, two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of a hate crime resulting in death, two counts of causing death through use of a firearm, and two counts of assault with intent to kill. In addition to these, the terrorism charges align with two existing counts of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill.
Phil Helsel covers news for NBC, while Michael Kosnar serves as the Justice Department Producer for NBC News.