Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, was officially indicted on Thursday. Authorities charged him with two counts of first-degree murder, among several other serious federal offenses.
According to a sworn statement cited by Fox News, Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including the murder of foreign officials, use of a firearm resulting in death, and firing a weapon during a violent crime.
The affidavit states: “During an interview with MPD detectives, after having been advised of his Miranda rights and after waiving them, Rodriguez expressed admiration for the actions of an individual who self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., on February 25, 2024, as a form of protest intended to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
It further recounts: “Rodriguez described this person’s actions as courageous and labeled him a ‘martyr.’ Rodriguez also stated that he had purchased a ticket to the event at the Museum approximately three hours prior to its commencement.”
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the two people killed in the attack as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
On Thursday, Sky News revealed that Rodriguez had ties to an extremist leftist group and was frequently engaged in spreading anti-Israel propaganda.
According to the same report, Rodriguez had scheduled a social media message to go live an hour after carrying out the shooting, in which he leveled harsh accusations against Israel, alleging it had committed “atrocities” against Palestinians.
In his post, Rodriguez wrote, “The atrocities committed by Israelis against Palestine go beyond what words can describe.” He added, “public opinion has turned against the apartheid state committing genocide,” and expressed dismay over what he described as the U.S. government’s failure to act.
Investigators have concluded that Lischinsky and Milgrim were exiting an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when Rodriguez approached a small group and opened fire.
Video footage that circulated online showed police apprehending Rodriguez. As he was being taken into custody, he was heard shouting, “Free Palestine.”
{Matzav.com}