Chicago man accused of killing Israeli diplomats in DC may face hate crime and terrorism charges, DOJ confirms.

Justice Department Weighs Additional Charges in Embassy Shootings

The Justice Department is considering filing additional charges, including hate crimes and terrorism, against Elias Rodriguez, the 31-year-old Chicago man accused of killing two staff members from the Israeli Embassy during an event in Washington, D.C. The charges could be announced as early as today.

Rodriguez has already been indicted on multiple serious offenses, including murder of foreign officials—a federal capital crime—as well as two counts of first-degree murder and several firearm-related charges. A conviction on the murder-of-officials charge could result in the death penalty. The local charges alone carry sentences ranging from 30 years to life imprisonment under D.C. law.

The shooting occurred Wednesday evening during a gathering hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and diplomatic staff. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were both employees of the Israeli Embassy and were reportedly set to become engaged.

According to the affidavit, surveillance footage captured Rodriguez approaching the couple near a crosswalk while wearing a blue hooded jacket and carrying a dark backpack. Without warning, he allegedly pulled a 9 mm handgun and opened fire. After both victims collapsed, he moved in closer and continued to shoot, reloading before firing again at Milgrim as she attempted to crawl away. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun, and a magazine at the scene.

Preliminary autopsy findings confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds. Lischinsky was pronounced dead at 9:14 p.m. and Milgrim at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday, according to District emergency services.

Suspect Claimed Attack Was for Gaza

Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will remain in custody without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on June 18 for a preliminary hearing.

Katie Kalisher, a witness at the museum event, described a chilling encounter with Rodriguez moments after the shooting. She said he entered the facility looking distressed and asked someone to call the police. During a brief conversation, he allegedly pulled a kaffiyeh from his bag and confessed, stating, “I did it. I did this for Gaza,” before shouting “Free, Free Palestine!” just as police arrived to arrest him.

The Justice Department has not yet confirmed whether Rodriguez’s statements or affiliations qualify the attack as an act of domestic terrorism. However, officials familiar with the investigation said both ideological motivation and the diplomatic status of the victims are under close scrutiny.

The case has drawn attention from federal and international authorities due to its political and diplomatic implications. Further charges, if filed, are expected to significantly escalate the legal proceedings and may redefine the case as a terrorist incident under U.S. law.