New Terrorism Charges Filed Against Chicago Man for Museum Shooting

Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old man from Chicago, is now facing multiple terrorism charges following a recent indictment related to the fatal shooting of a young couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

The indictment, released on Wednesday, added four counts of armed acts of terrorism—two related to the first-degree murders and two for assaults with intent to kill. This brings the total number of counts against Rodriguez to 13.

Previously, in August, he was charged with first-degree murder of a foreign official, two counts of hate crimes leading to death, and several other firearm-related charges.

According to the D.C. Attorney’s office, “Several of the charges filed against Rodriguez carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.”

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated, “My office will not rest in our efforts to hold Elias Rodriguez accountable for this horrific, and targeted act of terror against Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Milgrim and our Jewish community. These additional charges reflect the reality that this was indeed an act of terror.”

FBI Assistant Director Darren B. Cox added that Rodriguez allegedly wrote a manifesto to justify his actions, which was meant to inspire political violence. “His alleged actions warrant the additional terrorism charges being announced today,” he noted.

On May 21, 2025, Rodriguez reportedly approached the victims after a reception at the museum, firing around 20 rounds from a semi-automatic handgun while yelling, “Free Palestine.”

“I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza,” Rodriguez allegedly stated to those present.

As he was being removed by police, he reportedly shouted, “shame on you” and “shame on Zio-nazi terror” to the crowd.

The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, an Israeli government employee, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, who worked at the Israeli Embassy, were both killed in the shooting. They had been planning a trip to Israel so Milgrim could meet Lischinsky’s family. Reports indicated Lischinsky had even bought an engagement ring for Milgrim for the occasion.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Washington Field Office in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the D.C. Attorney’s office with assistance from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.