A man has been charged with additional counts of terrorism in connection to the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., last year. The new indictment, revealed on Wednesday, adds to the previously filed nine charges, including hate crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia stated that some of the charges carry the maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, allegedly opened fire at individuals leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, targeting young professionals and diplomats. Prosecutors claim he fired around 20 shots from a semi-automatic handgun while shouting “Free Palestine.” The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, were employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro emphasized that the new terrorism-related charges mandate a life sentence under D.C. Code, underscoring the nature of the act as terrorism. Rodriguez’s lawyers have not responded to requests for comments. FBI Assistant Director Darren B. Cox mentioned that Rodriguez had written and published a manifesto to justify his actions and incite political violence.
The shooting, which sparked global condemnation, occurred amidst heightened tensions in the U.S., including student protests, related to the conflict in Gaza. The war in Gaza, initiated by Israel in response to a Hamas attack in October 2023, resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israeli tallies report over 1,200 Israeli and foreign nationals dead, while Gaza health authorities indicate that more than 70,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the conflict began.