A suspected terrorist opened fire on two staff members from the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., discharging nearly 20 rounds at a soon-to-be engaged couple.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, was captured on surveillance footage shooting at 28-year-old Jaron Lisinski and 26-year-old Milgrim.
The Chicago native fired repeatedly while leaning against the couple before a chaotic scene unfolded where he pursued Milgrim as she tried to flee, shooting her again.
Rodriguez appeared to reload his gun before firing yet again at Milgrim.
Authorities reported that he unleashed at least 21 shots during this cold-blooded act, using a high-quality H&K 9mm pistol, which he had acquired years before. The exact number of times the victims were shot is still unconfirmed.
Sources indicated that Rodriguez, previously known to Chicago police as affiliated with left-wing protests, took a flight to D.C., with firearms declared during his travel.
Rodriguez is facing serious charges: first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, and firing a weapon in connection to a violent crime, with proceedings happening in federal court.
In court, he wore a white jumpsuit, asserting to the judge that he was not on drugs or alcohol at the time of the attacks. He is looking at multiple life sentences or even the death penalty.
“This is a complicated case,” commented federal prosecutor Jeffrey Nessler, noting that a significant amount of evidence and multiple witnesses factor into this disturbing crime.
Lisinski and Milgrim, who were both employed at the Israeli embassy, were killed just after 9 PM while leaving a reception for a young diplomat associated with the American Jewish Commission.
Witnesses described seeing Rodriguez pacing outside the museum before the incident, and when police arrived at the scene, he was reportedly waving a red kefir while shouting “Free Palestine.”
Investigators are delving into the motivations behind this act of anti-Semitic violence, with attention on a 900-word manifesto attributed to Rodriguez that appeared online shortly after his arrest.
Rodriguez is set to return to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing.
