Israeli embassy gunman Elias Rodriguez faces death penalty after ‘firing 21 shots & reloading as victims crawled away'

Scottish Sun

23-05-2025

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THE man suspected of shooting dead two Israeli embassy officials in Washington fired 21 shots and reloaded as his wounded victims crawled away, according to court documents.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, appeared in court yesterday charged with murder - and could face the death penalty if convicted.
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The chilling moment suspected Israeli embassy shooter Elias Rodriguez screams 'free Palestine' after gunning down a young couple
Credit: X/PhoenixTV
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Israeli embassy victimsYaron Lischinsky Sarah Milgrim
Credit: Family Handout
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Mourners lights candles during a vigil outside of the White House to remember the pair
Credit: Getty
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The Chicago native was caught on camera unloading several rounds into Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, after pacing outside the Capital Jewish Museum, according to the arrest affidavit.
The pair collapsed after being shot but the gunman continued his onslaught, the document says.
Footage shows him looming over the couple, already ragged by bullets, and firing at them again, charging documents show.
Rodriguez allegedly then pursued Milgrim as she tried to escape and finished her off.
read more on the shooting
'SHOOTER' CHARGED Israeli embassy 'gunman' charged with murder after 'shooting dead' couple
He was seen reloading his weapon before again opening fire at the desperate woman.
Rodriguez unloaded at least 21 shots during the cold-blooded slaughter, according to police sources, using a high-end German-design H&K 9mm pistol, reports the Post.
It's unclear how many times each victim was shot.
Footage shows Rodriguez shouting "free Palestine" as he is hauled out of the Capital Jewish Museum in handcuffs.
He had been ushered inside alongside civilians in the confusion following the shooting.
The suspect appeared in federal court in Washington on Thursday facing charges of murder of foreign officials - while prosecutors say additional charges are likely.
Israeli embassy worker couple shot dead outside Jewish museum in Washington DC by gunman chanting 'Free Palestine'
He was not handcuffed and nodded along while the judge read him the charges, the MailOnline has reported.
Interim US Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro, who is leading the prosecution, has said it is "far too early" to say if the death penalty will be sought.
However, she added that this is a "death penalty eligible case".
Heartbreaking details about the victims have emerged in the wake of the tragedy.
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The couple were about to visit Jerusalem, where Lischinsky planned to propose
Credit: AP
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A court sketch of Rodriguez appearing to hear his charges
Credit: Reuters
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Emergency workers outside the museum just after the shooting
Credit: EPA
The pair were reportedly madly in love, and Lischinsky had secretly bought an engagement ring just days earlier.
He had planned to propose on a vacation to Jerusalem, where they planned to travel on Sunday to see Lischinsky's family who live there.
She never found out that her boyfriend of a year and a half was planning to propose.
Milgrim and Lischinsky, who were both Jewish, were working for the Israeli Embassy when they were killed.
He helped plan missions for Jewish people in America, and Lischinsky was a research assistant.
Milgrim's heartbroken parents have opened up about their love for Lischinsky as they described him as an "incredible" man who was devoted to their daughter.
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Another view of the candlelight vigil outside the White House
Credit: AFP
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Messages of grief laid to remember the couple
Credit: Alamy
"He was very much like Sarah: passionate, extremely intelligent, dedicated to what he does, always on the cause of what's right," her dad Robert told the New York Times.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, mourned the loss of the couple and described seeing their affection for one another just hours before their deaths.
"Yaron and Sarah, words cannot begin to describe the heartbreak and sorrow," she wrote on X.
"Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner - and now, all that remains is a picture.
"Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves. What an unbearable loss."
In a statement released by the Embassy, the two were described as being in the "prime of their lives."
"The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder," the statement said.
"No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time."