Incident Involving Israeli Diplomats in Washington
WASHNGTON – The federal government faces allegations regarding the shooting of two young Israeli diplomats near the Jewish Museum in D.C. that took place in May.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, appeared in a brief hearing at D.C. Federal Court, just three blocks from the scene of the crime. He showed up in an orange jumpsuit, wearing glasses and sporting a beard.
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to charges of murder and other related crimes.
Prosecutors mentioned that Judge Randolph Moss would classify the case as “complex,” given the volume of evidence—about 1.5 million documents, along with data totaling 450 MB and an additional 106 MB from an iPhone.
The defendant responded affirmatively and negatively to the judge’s inquiries regarding his rights.
Witnesses and prosecutors reported that on May 21, Rodriguez executed 28-year-old Jaron Lisinski and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim, firing 26 shots.
The couple was shot while leaving a reception hosted by the American Jewish Commission, discussing potential aid for Gaza.
According to court documents, Rodriguez flew from Chicago, bringing a handgun in his checked luggage and purchasing a ticket just three hours prior.
As the couple lay defenseless, Rodriguez reportedly positioned himself above them, continuing to shoot. Even after Milgrim fell, he reloaded and fired again, trying to escape.
After the attack, he discarded his weapon and entered the museum. Witnesses noted his distraught demeanor—dressed in a suit with glasses, he appeared shocked and was pacing anxiously.
However, when law enforcement arrived, witnesses claimed Rodriguez declared, “I did this. I did this for Gaza. Free, free Palestine,” while revealing a Kefir scarf from his bag.
Rodriguez was known to Chicago law enforcement as an activist with ties to left-wing movements, having participated in several protests leading up to the incident. Reports indicated he was affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which organized anti-Israel protests and previously posted anti-Semitic statements on social media, including a message about ending genocide just hours before the shooting.
In the aftermath of the diplomat’s murder, the PSL quickly distanced itself from Rodriguez in a social media announcement.
His indictment, which was sealed last month, includes indications that the special investigations could pursue the death penalty, despite the legal abolition of capital punishment in 1981.
