New details have emerged in the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday. According to sources and court documents, the suspected assailant, Elias Rodriguez, 31, allegedly unleashed nearly two dozen rounds at the engaged couple, Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26.
An arrest affidavit reveals that surveillance footage captured Rodriguez firing multiple shots at Lischinsky and Milgrim, causing them to collapse. The Chicago native then allegedly leaned over the victims and continued firing. Disturbingly, charging documents indicate that as Milgrim attempted to crawl away after falling, Rodriguez followed her and shot her again. He was also reportedly seen reloading his weapon before firing on Milgrim once more.
Law enforcement sources informed The Post that the suspect allegedly fired at least 21 shots during the brutal attack, using a high-end German-designed H&K 9mm pistol, which he had purchased years prior. The exact number of times each victim was struck remains unclear.
Sources also disclosed that Rodriguez, known to Chicago police for his involvement in left-wing protests over several years, flew to Washington, D.C., on a United Airlines flight, having checked and declared the firearm during the journey.
Rodriguez was charged in federal court on Thursday with first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Appearing in court in a white jumpsuit, he stated to the judge that he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during what authorities are investigating as a hate-fueled attack. He faces multiple life sentences and potentially the death penalty. Federal prosecutor Jeffrey Nestler described the case as “complicated,” noting the substantial evidence and numerous witnesses connected to the crime scene.
Lischinsky and Milgrim, who both worked at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, were killed in the street just after 9 p.m. as they departed the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception. Witnesses reported seeing a distressed Rodriguez pacing outside the museum moments before the gunfire erupted.
Upon police arrival, Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, “Free Palestine,” according to witnesses and police accounts. Footage shows the suspect, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being taken into custody in handcuffs.
Investigators are currently examining the motive behind the horrific antisemitic violence, with law enforcement focusing on a 900-word manifesto bearing Rodriguez’s name that began circulating online immediately after his arrest, sources indicated.
Rodriguez is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on June 18.
Discussion about this post