Feds file terrorism charges against suspect in deadly DC attack on Israeli Embassy staffers

Elias Rodriguez accused of gunning down two Israeli Embassy employees outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A Chicago man named Elias Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with multiple terrorism-related offenses in the May 21 fatal shootings of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors say the deadly ambush was a calculated, ideologically-driven attack meant to terrorize the Jewish community.

Why it matters

This attack on Israeli Embassy personnel represents a concerning escalation of politically-motivated violence targeting the Jewish community in the U.S. The charges highlight the threat of domestic terrorism and the need for law enforcement to aggressively pursue such cases to protect public safety.

The details

According to court documents, Rodriguez approached Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, as they left a Young Diplomats Reception at the museum, fired roughly 20 shots from a semi-automatic handgun, and called out 'Free Palestine.' After the shooting, Rodriguez allegedly entered the occupied museum, pulled out a red keffiyeh and said, 'I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza.' Lischinsky and Milgrim died in the attack, while two other embassy workers survived.

  • The attack occurred on May 21, 2026.
  • Rodriguez was charged in a superseding indictment 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 working for the Israeli Embassy.

Sarah Milgrim

A 26-year-old from Overland Park, Kansas who was also employed by the Israeli Embassy.

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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 (timebulletin.us)

“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 (timebulletin.us)

What’s next

Several of the charges filed against Rodriguez carry a maximum penalty of death and a mandatory life sentence.

The takeaway

This attack highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for law enforcement to aggressively pursue cases involving politically-motivated violence targeting minority communities in the U.S.