US: Man charged with murder in fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington DC

A 31-year-old man has been charged with federal and local murder offences in connection with the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Jewish National Museum in the US capital, Washington, DC, on Wednesday, officials said.

He has been identified as Elias Rodriguez.

The victims, Yaron and Sarah, were in a relationship and were planning to get engaged soon, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed.

“Rodriguez is charged in US District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence,” read the statement issued by the US Attorney’s Office.

The charges were announced by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J Jensen, and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A Smith.

Pamela Bondi’s reaction

“This brutal, anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country or anywhere in civilization,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

“We will follow the facts and secure the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together,” she said.

Assistant Director in Charge Jensen said: “Make no mistake: This attack was targeted, antisemitic violence.”

“The FBI will continue to pursue all leads and use all available resources to investigate this heinous murder,” Jensen added.

Chief of Police Pamela A Smith said, “We continue to work closely with our federal partners and want to assure our community that the safety of all residents and visitors remains our top priority.”

“Out of an abundance of caution we are increasing our presence at religious institutions citywide,” Smith said.

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the victims as they were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.

Both victims were employed by the Israeli Embassy. One was an Israeli citizen and an official guest of the US government.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows Rodriguez walking past the victims before turning and firing multiple rounds.

After the victims fell, he allegedly continued firing at close range, including as one attempted to crawl away.

Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun and 21 spent shell casings at the scene.

“Rodriguez entered the Museum after he committed the murders,” the statement said.

Witnesses and surveillance video reportedly confirmed his involvement. He had flown from Chicago to Washington the day prior with the firearm declared in his checked luggage.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department.

It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with assistance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.

Israeli Envoy to US reacts

Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US wrote on X: “Last night, two beloved members of our Embassy family were brutally murdered – simply because they were Jewish. Sarah and Yaron dedicated their lives to peace-building and bridging the divides between communities. Their light shone brightest when they interacted with others, and they both had an insatiable desire to learn more about the world. They were also in the prime of their lives, on the cusp of building a family and embarking on the journey of life together.”