The person accused of killing two Israeli Embassy workers members exterior the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., has been charged with two counts of first-degree homicide, homicide of overseas officers and different counts.
The suspect has been recognized as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago. He’s additionally charged with inflicting the demise of an individual by using a firearm and discharge of a firearm throughout against the law of violence.
The taking pictures is being investigated as a hate crime and terrorism, and extra fees might come, U.S. Legal professional for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated at a information convention Thursday afternoon. Authorities have stated the assault was focused.
“It is a horrific crime, and these crimes usually are not going to be tolerated by me and my workplace,” Pirro stated.
Pirro stated Rodriguez appeared in courtroom Thursday and was suggested by the choose that, if convicted, he might face the demise penalty or life in jail. A preliminary listening to is about for June 18 and Rodriguez will stay in detention.
The victims have been recognized as two workers on the Israeli Embassy in Washington, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. informed reporters they have been a younger couple who have been set to be engaged.
The taking pictures occurred because the couple was leaving an occasion Wednesday night time on the museum, which is positioned close to the FBI’s subject workplace in D.C.
Smith informed reporters Thursday that there will probably be “an elevated presence of regulation enforcement officers across the group,” together with round faith-based organizations and colleges.
Authorities stated the suspect was seen pacing backwards and forwards exterior the museum earlier than the taking pictures. Smith informed reporters the suspect then approached a gaggle of 4 folks, pulled out a handgun and opened hearth. A witness informed police the gunman appeared to toss the gun away, and police stated it was later recovered. The suspect then went into the museum.
As soon as officers arrived on the museum, Rodriguez requested to talk with police and informed them, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I’m unarmed,” based on charging paperwork within the case. Rodriguez was then taken into custody.
Jensen stated the suspect got here to Washington, D.C., on Could 20 and was touring for a piece convention. It’s unknown whether or not or how the suspect knew in regards to the occasion being held on the museum.
A lady who was on the occasion, Katie Kalisher, informed CBS Information she encountered the suspect moments after the taking pictures. She stated they spoke briefly after which he reached into his bag, pulled out a keffiyeh and stated, “I did it. I did it for Gaza,” earlier than he shouted, “Free Palestine.”
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Scott MacFarlane and
contributed to this report.
