Pirro Says Elias Rodriguez Could Face Death Penalty For Executing Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Outside DC Jewish Museum

Federal prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty against the man accused of murdering two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, in what authorities describe as a calculated antisemitic terror attack.

According to federal investigators, Elias Rodriguez faces hate crime charges, terrorism related offenses, and premeditated murder in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple connected to the Israeli Embassy who were reportedly preparing to become engaged.

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Officials allege Rodriguez traveled from Chicago to the Washington area ahead of the May event, carrying a handgun inside checked luggage before allegedly targeting attendees outside the museum.

Witnesses told investigators they saw Rodriguez pacing near the building before suddenly opening fire on a group gathered outside. Prosecutors say surveillance footage captured Rodriguez continuing to shoot at the victims after they collapsed to the ground, before allegedly reloading and fleeing the scene.

Authorities say Rodriguez later entered the museum and admitted responsibility for the attack.

“I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza,” he allegedly stated after the shooting, according to court filings.

Federal prosecutors also claim Rodriguez praised the active duty Air Force member who died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024, allegedly describing him as “courageous” and calling him a “martyr.”

The hate crime charges mean prosecutors must prove the attack was motivated by antisemitism.

On Friday, Acting US Attorney for Washington, DC, Jeanine Pirro announced her office formally filed notice seeking the death penalty against Rodriguez.

“Just this morning, before I came here, we filed notice that my office will seek death against the defendant, Elias Rodriguez, for the killing of two young Israeli Embassy staff members at the Capitol Jewish Museum,” Pirro said during the press conference.

Pirro used the announcement to send a broader warning against political violence in the nation’s capital.

“My message to anyone who seeks to commit political violence in this district, DC is not the place,” Pirro declared. “You will be held accountable and you will face the full wrath of the law.”

She added that federal prosecutors intend to pursue the case aggressively and emphasized that acts of violence driven by hatred or extremism will face severe consequences under federal law.

Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including the newly added terrorism related counts. The case is expected to become one of the most high profile antisemitic terror prosecutions in the United States in recent years.