Suspect in US embassy killings told police: ‘I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza’

Washington: The man accused of fatally shooting two staffers from the Israeli Embassy outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” according to federal authorities who announced terrorism-related charges on Thursday.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody following the attack Wednesday night that killed Sarah Milgrim, an American, and Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen. The two victims, who had just left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, were in a relationship and planning to get engaged.

The shooting has triggered increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions and a mourning period marked by flags at half-staff. It comes amid Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza, a conflict that has sparked global tensions and domestic warnings from law enforcement about potential retaliatory violence.

Rodriguez has been charged with the murder of foreign officials, among other crimes, and could face the death penalty. Prosecutors indicated more charges may follow as the investigation, which includes potential hate crime and terrorism designations, continues.

“Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero,” said Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia. “Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital.”

Federal documents detail a calculated attack. Rodriguez allegedly travelled from Chicago to Washington on Tuesday, checking a handgun in his luggage. He bought a ticket to the museum event just hours before the shooting.

Surveillance footage shows Rodriguez approaching a group outside the museum and opening fire. He then moved closer to Milgrim and Lischinsky after they fell, firing additional rounds and appearing to reload before fleeing, according to the FBI.

Witnesses said Rodriguez entered the museum shortly afterwards and declared, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed.” He reportedly admired an Air Force member who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy earlier this year, calling him a “martyr,” court documents stated.

The FBI is investigating writings possibly authored by Rodriguez and is contacting his associates and relatives as part of the probe.

In court Thursday, Rodriguez appeared in a white jail uniform and showed no emotion as charges carrying a potential death sentence were read. AP