Feds File Sweeping Terrorism Charges Against Suspect in Deadly DC Ambush of Israeli Embassy Staffers

Chicago man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy workers outside Jewish museum now faces slew of new terrorism-related offenses.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A Chicago man accused of gunning down two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., is now facing sweeping terrorism charges, as prosecutors say the deadly ambush was a calculated, ideologically-driven attack meant to terrorize the Jewish community.

Why it matters

The attack on the Israeli Embassy staffers at a Jewish museum in the nation's capital raises concerns about the threat of domestic terrorism and anti-Semitism, underscoring the need for heightened security measures to protect diplomatic personnel and vulnerable communities.

The details

Elias Rodriguez, 31, is charged in a 13-count superseding indictment with multiple terrorism-related offenses in connection with the May 21 fatal shootings of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C. Court documents allege Rodriguez approached the victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, as they left a reception, fired roughly 20 shots, and called out "Free Palestine." After the shooting, Rodriguez allegedly entered the museum, pulled out a red keffiyeh, and said, "I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza."

  • The attack occurred on May 21.
  • The superseding indictment was unsealed on February 5, 2026.

The players

Elias Rodriguez

A 31-year-old Chicago man accused of carrying out the deadly attack on the Israeli Embassy staffers.

Yaron Lischinsky

A 30-year-old Israeli citizen and employee of the Government of Israel, who was in the U.S. on official business while working for the Israeli Embassy.

Sarah Milgrim

A 26-year-old employee of the Israeli Embassy, from Overland Park, Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“We must not rest until Rodriguez is held accountable for this horrific and targeted act of terror.”

— Jeanine Ferris Pirro, U.S. Attorney

“In addition to the shooting, Rodriguez allegedly wrote and published a manifesto attempting to morally justify his actions and inspire others to commit political violence.”

— Darren Cox, FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office

What’s next

Several of the charges filed against Rodriguez carry a maximum penalty of death, and a mandatory life sentence. The case will now proceed through the federal court system.

The takeaway

This attack on Israeli diplomatic personnel at a Jewish museum in the nation's capital underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and anti-Semitism, and the need for robust security measures to protect vulnerable communities and foreign officials.