Thu May 22 22:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A man named Elias Rodriguez has been charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington D.C. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot as they left a Jewish museum. Rodriguez claimed the attack was “for Palestine, for Gaza” and expressed admiration for a man who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in 2024. Authorities are investigating the shooting as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism, with potential for additional charges. The incident has led to increased security at Israeli missions and comes amidst rising tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

**News Article:**

**”I Did It for Palestine”: Man Charged in D.C. Embassy Staff Murders**

**Washington D.C., May 23, 2025** – Elias Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members who were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday evening. The victims, identified as Israeli citizen Yaron Lischinsky and American Sarah Milgrim, were leaving an event when Rodriguez opened fire.

According to court documents, Rodriguez told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.” He also reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody. Authorities are treating the slayings as a targeted act of terror and a hate crime against the Jewish community.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro condemned the attack, stating, “Violence against anyone, based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero. Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital.”

Investigators revealed that Rodriguez purchased tickets to the museum event just hours before the shooting. He also expressed admiration for a man who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in February 2024, calling him “courageous” and a “martyr.”

The victims, Lischinsky and Milgrim, were engaged to be married. Lischinsky had reportedly purchased an engagement ring with plans to propose in Jerusalem next week.

The attack has prompted increased security measures at Israeli missions worldwide. The incident occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and a rise in antisemitic acts.

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