Justice Department officials are considering additional charges against Elias Rodriguez, the suspect accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
Justice Department officials are considering additional charges against Elias Rodriguez, the Chicago man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers on Wednesday evening in Washington, D.C., Fox News has learned.
Hate crimes and terrorism charges are among those being considered, according to sources briefed on the matter. The charges could be filed as early as today.
Rodriguez, 31, has already been charged with the murder of foreign officials, a federal capital offense, along with multiple firearm-related counts and two counts of first-degree murder.
If convicted of either of the first two counts, he could face the death penalty. Under D.C. law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life behind bars.
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Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will be held without bond while he awaits trial. He was ordered back to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing.
The shooting Wednesday night happened during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.
According to the affidavit, one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, was an Israeli citizen who had been granted “official guest” status by the U.S. State Department. The other victim, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was also employed by the Israeli Embassy. The young couple was set to be engaged.
Surveillance footage, according to the affidavit, showed a suspect, who was wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack and blue pants, approaching the couple from behind as they were about to enter a crosswalk.
Investigators say Rodriguez drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire without provocation.
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After the victims collapsed, he moved closer and continued firing, the affidavit said. Milgrim tried to crawl away, but Rodriguez continued shooting at her.
Investigators say Rodriguez paused to reload and then fired at her again before fleeing toward the museum’s entrance. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun and a discarded magazine at the scene.
A preliminary autopsy found that Milgrim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken 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. She was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday. Autopsy results are pending.
Lischinsky was pronounced dead by DCFEMS at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday. His autopsy results are pending.
Rodriguez did not resist arrest. When members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s First District arrived at 9:08 p.m. and approached Rodriguez, he allegedly told them, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed,” and later shouted, “Free Palestine,” as he was arrested.
