The man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, outside a Jewish museum, told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities said Thursday (May 22, 2025) while announcing charges, describing the killings as a deliberate act of terrorism. Elias Rodriguez, 31, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody, according to charging documents that revealed new details about the Wednesday night shooting. The victims, an American woman and an Israeli man who had just left an event at the museum and were engaged to be married, were killed in the attack. In response, Israeli missions increased security and lowered flags to half-staff. The incident comes amid Israel’s intensified military operations in Gaza and rising tensions worldwide, with law enforcement warning of potential copycat violence in the U.S.

Rodriguez faces murder charges involving foreign officials and other crimes but did not enter a plea during a brief court hearing. Prosecutors expect to file additional charges as the investigation continues, treating the incident as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and an act of terrorism.

Jeanine Pirro, interim U.S. attorney for D.C., condemned the violence, stating, “Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero,” and reaffirmed that antisemitism will not be tolerated in the nation’s capital.

The victims were identified as Israeli citizen Yaron Lischinsky and American Sarah Milgrim, a couple about to get engaged, according to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. FBI documents portray the shooting as premeditated, alleging Rodriguez flew from Chicago to Washington with a handgun in his checked luggage on Tuesday. He bought a ticket for the museum event just hours before it started. Witnesses described him pacing suspiciously outside before approaching a group of four and opening fire. Surveillance footage showed him moving closer to the victims as they fell, firing additional shots, and even reloading before fleeing.

After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum and declared, “I did it.” He was unarmed when arrested. He also told investigators he admired an Air Force member who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in February 2024, calling him “courageous” and a “martyr,” according to court papers.

Authorities are still verifying the authenticity of writings attributed to Rodriguez, including an online document criticizing Israel’s actions in the war. The FBI is contacting his family, associates, and co-workers as part of the ongoing investigation.

Rodriguez appeared in federal court wearing a white jail suit, listening without reaction as charges and possible penalties, including the death penalty, were read. At his mother’s suburban Chicago home, a sign on the door requested privacy amid the unfolding events.