Overview
- Federal prosecutors in Washington filed a death‑penalty notice on Friday, applying it to charges that include murder of a foreign official and firearm offenses that caused death.
- Elias Rodriguez faces 13 federal counts tied to the May 2025 shootings, including terrorism and hate‑crime charges, and he has pleaded not guilty.
- Prosecutors say Rodriguez flew from Chicago with a handgun in checked luggage, bought a ticket to the museum event, and was captured by witnesses and cameras before and during the attack.
- Investigators cite statements in which Rodriguez shouted anti‑Israel slogans during the shooting and later told authorities, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
- The victims were embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, a couple reported to be near engagement; the case now moves toward a June 30 court date and requires higher‑level approval typical in federal capital cases.