Death Penalty Pursued for Israeli Embassy Shooting

The U. S. Justice Department has announced it will seek the death penalty against Elias Rodriguez, who is charged with murdering two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington. The victims were Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli national working in the U. S. , and Sarah Milgrim, a U. S. citizen; both were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were shot. Rodriguez allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the attack and later claimed he acted for Palestine and Gaza. Prosecutors argue that Rodriguez’s motive was antisemitic hate, a claim that must be proven for the death penalty to apply. They describe the attack as premeditated: Rodriguez flew from Chicago, carried a handgun in checked luggage, and approached the victims after pacing outside. Surveillance footage shows him firing multiple shots as the couple fell to the ground, reloading before fleeing.After the shooting, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum and reiterated his political justification. He also praised a former Air Force member who self‑immolated outside the Israeli Embassy earlier this year, calling him courageous and a martyr. The indictment claims Rodriguez’s actions were driven by political, ideological, national, and religious bias, targeting people he believed attended a Jewish professional event. Defense lawyers have not yet commented but had previously met with Justice Department officials to present evidence that might influence the death penalty decision. Rodriguez’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 30, with a trial date yet to be set.