Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, could face the death penalty if found guilty.
During a press conference, Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said Rodriguez, 31, is accused of two charges of first-degree murder, other crimes involving firearms, and the federal capital offense of murdering foreign officials.
If convicted of either of the first two offenses, he could face the death penalty. A first-degree murder conviction carries a minimum penalty of 30 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison under D.C. law.
Rodriguez will be detained without bond pending trial after he forfeited his right to a detention hearing. On June 18, he was told to return to court for a preliminary hearing.
Washington Post reporter Keith Alexander asked Pirro at the press conference, “I’m sorry, Keith Alexander, Washington Post. Were you thinking of the death penalty? Can you talk a little bit about that? And also, the night of May 20th, any idea where he stayed at all?”
“I think — I think that we have an idea of that, but let me just say that, you know, the president and the Attorney General have both indicated that, you know, in cases where the death penalty is warranted and seems appropriate, we will use it. It’s far too early to say whether that is the case. But this is a death penalty-eligible case,” Pirro said.
“Two families are now left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized. And as I speak right now, there is an individual who is being presented in court and charged with various crimes. Thirty-one-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, is now charged by complaint after his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharp,” Pirro added.
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The incident occurred Wednesday evening at an event organized by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together diplomats and Jewish professionals.
The affidavit states that one of the fatalities, 31-year-old Israeli national Yaron Lischinsky, had been given “official guest” status by the U.S. State Department. Sarah Milgrim, a 26-year-old employee of the Israeli Embassy, was the other casualty. The young couple had planned to get engaged.
According to the affidavit, surveillance footage showed a suspect approaching the pair from behind as they were ready to enter a crosswalk. The suspect wore blue jeans, a large black rucksack, and a blue jacket with a hood.
Rodriguez pulled out a 9 mm pistol, according to investigators, and fired without warning.
According to the affidavit, he approached and kept shooting after the victims fell. Rodriguez kept firing at Milgrim as she attempted to crawl away.
Rodriguez, according to investigators, fired at her once more after pausing to reload before escaping in the direction of the museum’s entrance. At the site, authorities found a discarded magazine, an empty firearm, and 21 shot casings.
Milgrim had several gunshot wounds, according to a preliminary autopsy. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) of the District of Columbia removed her from the site and sent her to the District of Columbia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. At 9:35 p.m. on Wednesday, she was declared deceased.
Rodriguez did not resist arrest. At 9:08 p.m., Rodriguez reportedly informed the First District officers of the Metropolitan Police Department, “I did it for Palestine,” when they approached him.
He said, “I am unarmed,” and then yelled, “Free Palestine,” before being taken into custody.
According to investigators, witnesses claimed to have seen the suspect donning a red keffiyeh, a head covering frequently seen on Palestinian demonstrators.
According to federal investigators, Rodriguez lawfully brought the weapon used in the assault as checked luggage when he flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the shooting.
In 2020, the firearm was lawfully acquired in Illinois.
