A federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., has indicted Elias Rodriguez on charges of murdering a foreign official, committing hate crimes, firearms offenses, first-degree murder, and assault with intent to kill for the shooting of Israeli Embassy staffers as they left a reception at the Capital Jewish Museum (CJM), officials announced Thursday.
Rodriguez had previously been charged by complaint on May 22 with murder of a foreign official, firearm offenses, and first-degree murder. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
According to the indictment, on May 21, Rodriguez purchased a ticket to the American Jewish Committee (AJC)’s Young Diplomats Reception at CJM.
The victims — Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Milgrim, C.S., and A.T. — were Israeli Embassy employees attending the event. After purchasing the ticket, Rodriguez reviewed information about AJC, which showed its support for Israel.
When the four left the reception, Rodriguez allegedly approached and fired approximately 20 shots, killing Lischinsky and Milgrim. C.S. and A.T. escaped unharmed.
Rodriguez then approached a police officer, stating, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and was arrested. A pre-written statement advocating violence against Israelis was later posted to his X account.
“The Justice Department will not tolerate violence motivated by hatred of faith or national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.
The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and the Joint Task Force.
It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. and the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.