The Feds have filed a Criminal Complaint and Supporting Affidavit against Elias Rodriguez for the shooting murder of two Israelis Embassy staffers killed outside an American Jewish Committee event at the Jewish Museum in DC. The Supporting Affidavit provides much more detail than has been reported, including how Rodriguez finished off his victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim execution style after they already had been shot and were on the ground trying to crawl away.
Here are the charges:
18 U.S.C. § 1116 – Murder of Foreign Officials18 U.S.C. § 924(j) – Causing the Death of a Person Through the Use of a Firearm18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii) – Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of ViolenceD.C. Code § 22–2101 – First Degree Murder (two counts)
Here are excerpts from the Supporting Affidavit (emphasis added):
3. This affidavit is intended to show merely that there is sufficient probable cause for the requested complaint, and it does not set forth all of my knowledge about this matter.6. On May 21, 2025, RODRIGUEZ shot and killed two individuals outside of 575 3rd St., Northwest, Washington, DC, which is site of the Capital Jewish Museum (“the Museum”). The Museum was hosting an event related to Jewish diplomatic and business relations, hosted by the American Jewish Committee, that aimed to “bring together Jewish young professionals and the D.C. diplomatic community.” The event was attended by several members of the United States based Israeli diplomatic mission.8. Decedent-1, identified as Sarah Milgrim, was employed by the Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C. The preliminary review of Decedent-1’s remains showed that she suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Decedent-1 was transported from the scene by the District of Columbia’s Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia (OCME). Decedent-1 was pronounced dead at 9:35 pm by DCFEMS members under the authority of DCFEMS Dr. Vitburg. The results of the autopsy of Decedent-1 are pending.9. Decedent-2, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, was employed by the Embassy of Israel, in Washington, D.C. Decedent-2 was pronounced deceased dead by DCFEMS members on the scene under the authority of DCFEMS Dr. Vitburg at 9:14 pm. Decedent-2 remained on the scene during the initial processing and until members of the OCME conducted their preliminary investigation of his remains. The results of the autopsy of Decedent-2 are pending.10. Decedent-2 was an Israeli citizen. According to the Department of State, Decedent-2, based on his official visa, was an “official guest” of the United States government.11. Upon arriving at the scene, MPD Officer-1 canvassed the area for cameras and observed several affixed to the Museum. Officer-1 and his partner (Officer-2) entered the building to inquire about the cameras and identify witnesses. Once inside, RODRIGUEZ asked to speak with the officer. RODRIGUEZ then stated that he “did it” and that he was unarmed. RODGRIQUEZ was taken into custody and identified by Illinois Driver’s license and Firearms Owner’s Identification Card as Elias A Rodriguez.12. RODRIGUEZ spontaneously stated on scene to MPD, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed.” RODRIGUEZ was holding a red scarf identified by one witness as a “Kaffiyeh.” As MPD officers were escorting RODRIQUEZ from the Museum, he shouted “Free Palestine.”13. On scene, multiple witnesses were identified and interviewed. Witness-1 (W-1) stated that W-1 was outside of the Jewish Museum sitting in a car when W-1 saw a male, later identified as RODRIGUEZ, wearing a blue hooded raincoat and a backpack, attempting to light a cigarette in the rain. W-1 found the Defendant’s behavior strange, and it captured W-1’s attention. Prior to the shooting, W-1 saw four people walking out of the Jewish Museum and, soon after, W-1 heard gunshots. W-1 ducked down and, after the gunshots ceased, looked again. W-1 saw that RODRIGUEZ motioning as if he was attempting to shoot the firearm, but it was not firing. RODRIGUEZ then ran away. W-1 observed RODRIGUEZ motion with his arm as if he was throwing an object. W-1 later explained that Police located a firearm in the vicinity of where W-1 observed RODRIGUEZ make the throwing motion
The Affidavit then describes surveillance video (emphasis added):
15. On scene, MPD officers were able to review surveillance video from immediately before and during the shooting that captured the exterior of the Museum. In summary, the video shows a slim build person, wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack, blue pants, and light-colored shoes, consistent with the clothing worn by RODRIGUEZ, walking across F Street, Northwest, in the direction of the Museum, and where the decedents were standing, preparing to enter the crosswalk. Once RODRIGUEZ walked past the decedents and two witnesses, he turned to face their backs and brandished a firearm from the area of his waistband. RODRIGUEZ is captured on the video extending both his arms in the direction of the decedents and firing several times, as indicated by the muzzle flashes. Once the decedents fell to the ground, RODRIGUEZ is captured on the video advancing closer to the decedents, leaning over with them with his arm extended, and firing several more times. As Decedent-1 attempted to crawl away from RODRIGUEZ, he followed behind her and fired again. After a brief moment, RODRIGUEZ appeared to reload his firearm. At the same time, Decedent-1 sat up. Once he reloaded, RODRIGUEZ fired several times at Decedent-1. RODRIGUEZ is then captured jogging back in the direction of 3rd Street, NW, and southbound in the direction of where the entrance to the Museum is located.
Rodriguez was inspired by the self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell:
18. During an interview with MPD detectives, after having been advised of his Miranda rights and after waiving them, RODRIGUEZ expressed admiration for the actions of an individual who self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., on February 25, 2024, as a form of protest intended to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. RODRIGUEZ described this person’s actions as courageous and labeled him a “martyr.” Rodriguez also stated that he had purchased a ticket to the event at the Museum approximately three hours prior to its commencement.
MORE TO FOLLOW
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