Man accused in Israeli embassy staffer killings faces new terrorism charges

by · UPI

Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Federal prosecutors have charged the Chicago man accused of gunning down two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., in May with terrorism-related offenses, the Justice Department announced Thursday.

A 13-count superseding indictment unsealed Wednesday charges Elisa Rodriguez, 31, with four counts of acts of terrorism while armed, along with a federal statutory aggravating factor alleging he planned the attack as an act of terrorism.

Rodriguez was already facing several charges, including first-degree murder counts in the May 21 shooting deaths of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26.

The couple, who were reportedly about to become engaged, were attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were shot and killed outside the facility.

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Authorities arrested Rodriguez within the museum, where he allegedly approached police while holding a kaffiyeh and said he "did it for Palestine" and "did it for Gaza," according to the FBI affidavit.

FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox said Thursday that Rodriguez had written and published a manifesto intended to justify his actions and inspire others to commit political violence.

"His alleged actions warrant the additional terrorism charges being announced today," Cox said in a statement.

According to the superseding indictment, Rodriguez allegedly approached the victims as they left the Young Diplomats Dinner, hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum, and shouted "Free Palestine" before firing about 20 shots from a semi-automatic handgun.

As police escorted him from the museum, Rodriguez allegedly shouted at attendees, "Shame on you" and "shame on zio-nazi terror," the charging document states.

The additional terrorism-related charges carry a mandatory life sentence if convicted.

Vigil for Jewish museum victims held outside White House

Mourners attend a vigil outside of the White House to honor slain Israel Embassy staff members Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, in Washington on May 22, 2025. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI | License Photo