Latest news with #DCFEMS
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Suspect accused of killing Israeli embassy staffers in DC could face more charges
Justice Department officials are considering additional charges against Elias Rodriguez, the Chicago man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers on Wednesday evening in Washington, D.C., Fox News has learned. Hate crimes and terrorism charges are among those being considered, according to sources briefed on the matter. The charges could be filed as early as today. Rodriguez, 31, has already been charged with the murder of foreign officials, a federal capital offense, along with multiple firearm-related counts and two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted of either of the first two counts, he could face the death penalty. Under D.C. law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life behind bars. Gunman Kills Israeli Embassy Couple In Washington, Following Decades Of Embassy-targeted Attacks Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will be held without bond while he awaits trial. He was ordered back to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing. Read On The Fox News App The shooting Wednesday night happened during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community. According to the affidavit, one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, was an Israeli citizen who had been granted "official guest" status by the U.S. State Department. The other victim, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was also employed by the Israeli Embassy. The young couple was set to be engaged. Surveillance footage, according to the affidavit, showed a suspect, who was wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack and blue pants, approaching the couple from behind as they were about to enter a crosswalk. Investigators say Rodriguez drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire without provocation. Police Raid Dc Shooting Suspect Elias Rodriguez's Chicago Apartment After the victims collapsed, he moved closer and continued firing, the affidavit said. Milgrim tried to crawl away, but Rodriguez continued shooting at her. Investigators say Rodriguez paused to reload and then fired at her again before fleeing toward the museum's entrance. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun and a discarded magazine at the scene. A preliminary autopsy found that Milgrim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken from the scene by the District of Columbia's Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia. She was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday. Autopsy results are pending. Lischinsky was pronounced dead by DCFEMS at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday. His autopsy results are pending. Katie Kalisher, who was at the museum Wednesday night, told "FOX & Friends" on Thursday that she had an interaction with Rodriguez prior to his arrest. She said Rodriguez – who looked distressed and was covered in rain – came into the facility after 10 to 15 gunshots were heard outside and asked for somebody to call the police. "I'm like, 'so, do you like this museum?' And he's like, kind of playing dumb with me. He's like, 'oh, what kind of museum is this?' And I'm like 'it's a Jewish museum. He asks 'Do you think that is why they did it?' in reference to gunshots we had heard. And I was like, 'yeah maybe, I don't know but I don't think so, I hope not,'" Kalisher said. "And that is when he reaches into his bag and pulls out a kaffiyeh and says to me, 'I did it. I did this for Gaza.' And then he starts shouting 'Free, Free Palestine!' and the police show up and arrest him."Original article source: Suspect accused of killing Israeli embassy staffers in DC could face more charges
New York Post
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Terror suspect charged with murdering Israeli Embassy staffers could face death penalty
Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, could face the death penalty if convicted, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit. Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with the murder of foreign officials, a federal capital offense, along with multiple firearm-related counts and two counts of first-degree murder. Advertisement If convicted of either of the first two counts, he could face the death penalty. Under D.C. law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life behind bars. Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will be held without bond while he awaits trial. He was ordered back to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing. The shooting Wednesday night happened during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community. Advertisement According to the affidavit, one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, was an Israeli citizen who had been granted 'official guest' status by the US State Department. The other victim, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was also employed by the Israeli Embassy. The young couple was set to be engaged. Surveillance footage, according to the affidavit, showed a suspect, who was wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack and blue pants, approaching the couple from behind as they were about to enter a crosswalk. Advertisement 5 Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were fatally shot in the street on Wednesday night. @yaron_li/X Investigators say Rodriguez drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire without provocation. After the victims collapsed, he moved closer and continued firing, the affidavit said. Milgrim tried to crawl away, but Rodriguez continued shooting at her. Advertisement Investigators say Rodriguez paused to reload and then fired at her again before fleeing toward the museum's entrance. 5 The two Israeli Embassy staffers were about to get engaged. Obtained by NYPost. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun and a discarded magazine at the scene. A preliminary autopsy found that Milgrim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken from the scene by the District of Columbia's Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia. She was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday. Autopsy results are pending. Lischinsky was pronounced dead by DCFEMS at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday. His autopsy results are pending. 5 Elias Rodriguez could face the death penalty if convicted. Thehistorymakers Advertisement Rodriguez did not resist arrest. When members of the Metropolitan Police Department's First District arrived at 9:08 p.m. and approached Rodriguez, he allegedly told them, 'I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed,' and later shouted, 'Free Palestine,' as he was arrested. Investigators said they spoke with witnesses who reported seeing the suspect wearing a red keffiyeh, a head covering often associated with Palestinian protesters. In an interview with law enforcement, Rodriguez reportedly expressed admiration for a protester who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024, by calling the act courageous and saying the individual was a 'martyr.' The affidavit said Rodriguez told authorities that he purchased a ticket for the Israeli event three hours before opening fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim. Advertisement 5 Rodriguez allegedly continued shooting at Milgrim as she tried to crawl away. Katie Kalisher via Storyful Federal authorities say Rodriguez flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the shooting and legally transported the firearm used in the attack as checked luggage. The weapon was purchased legally in Illinois in 2020. Speaking at a press update on Thursday, interim US Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro said the community 'is reeling as a result of one person's actions.' Advertisement 5 Rodriguez will be back in court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing. REUTERS 'Two families are now left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized,' she said. 'And as I speak right now, there is an individual who is being presented in court and charged with various crimes. Thirty-one-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, is now charged by complaint after his initial appearance before US Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharp.' Advertisement Rodriguez is charged with murder of foreign officials because one of the victims was an Israeli citizen and classified as an 'official guest' of the United States by the State Department. He is also charged with causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of first-degree murder.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Suspect charged with murdering Israeli Embassy staff could face death penalty
Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, could face the death penalty if convicted, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit. Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with the murder of foreign officials, a federal capital offense, along with multiple firearm-related counts and two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted of either of the first two counts, he could face the death penalty. Under D.C. law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life behind bars. Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will be held without bond while he awaits trial. He was ordered back to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing. Police Raid Dc Shooting Suspect Elias Rodriguez's Chicago Apartment The shooting Wednesday night happened during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community. Read On The Fox News App According to the affidavit, one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, was an Israeli citizen who had been granted "official guest" status by the U.S. State Department. The other victim, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was also employed by the Israeli Embassy. The young couple was set to be engaged. Surveillance footage, according to the affidavit, showed a suspect, who was wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack and blue pants, approaching the couple from behind as they were about to enter a crosswalk. Investigators say Rodriguez drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire without provocation. After the victims collapsed, he moved closer and continued firing, the affidavit said. Milgrim tried to crawl away, but Rodriguez continued shooting at her. Investigators say Rodriguez paused to reload and then fired at her again before fleeing toward the museum's entrance. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun and a discarded magazine at the scene. READ THE AFFIDAVIT – APP USERS Click Here A preliminary autopsy found that Milgrim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken from the scene by the District of Columbia's Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia. She was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday. Autopsy results are pending. Lischinsky was pronounced dead by DCFEMS at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday. His autopsy results are pending. White House Decries 'Evil Of Antisemitism,' Vows Justice After Fatal Shooting Of Israeli Embassy Staffers Rodriguez did not resist arrest. When members of the Metropolitan Police Department's First District arrived at 9:08 p.m. and approached Rodriguez, he allegedly told them, "I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed," and later shouted, "Free Palestine," as he was arrested. Investigators said they spoke with witnesses who reported seeing the suspect wearing a red keffiyeh, a head covering often associated with Palestinian protesters. In an interview with law enforcement, Rodriguez reportedly expressed admiration for a protester who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024, by calling the act courageous and saying the individual was a "martyr." The affidavit said Rodriguez told authorities that he purchased a ticket for the Israeli event three hours before opening fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim. Federal authorities say Rodriguez flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the shooting and legally transported the firearm used in the attack as checked luggage. The weapon was purchased legally in Illinois in 2020. From Campus Protests To Deadly Violence: Israeli Embassy Staff Murdered In Dc Speaking at a press update on Thursday, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro said the community "is reeling as a result of one person's actions." "Two families are now left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized," she said. "And as I speak right now, there is an individual who is being presented in court and charged with various crimes. Thirty-one-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, is now charged by complaint after his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharp." Rodriguez is charged with murder of foreign officials because one of the victims was an Israeli citizen and classified as an "official guest" of the United States by the State Department. He is also charged with causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of first-degree article source: Suspect charged with murdering Israeli Embassy staff could face death penalty
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Runner reunites with first responders who saved her life
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — It was a heartwarming reunion Tuesday at East Potomac Park, as a runner met with the first responders who saved her life. 24-year-old Angel Barr was running the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler last month when she collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. 'I felt physically and mentally fine that day; I was looking forward to running. It was something I liked doing,' she said. 'They told me I was a miracle, they told me a lot of people don't survive what I went through, and hearing the story, I'm shocked.' Neighbors help woman escape home fire in Rockville According to DC Fire and EMS (DCFEMS), the quick responses of those around her helped save her life. Two bystanders began administering CPR. Meanwhile, two DCFEMS fire boats arrived on the scene. First responders used an AED and defibrillated Barr, restarting her heart. Park Police used their helicopter to transport Barr to the hospital. 'This didn't just happen by accident,' said Dr. David Vitberg, Interim Medical Director for DCFEMS. 'That happened because our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics get exquisite training.' Barr had a chance to meet and thank those who saved her during a ceremony on Tuesday. Each first responder received a coin honoring their efforts. 'What we do in EMS, what the Park Police do, what DC Fire and EMS does, it really, really matters. What we do in the first five, ten minutes have a profound impact,' said Vitberg. 'I'm very shocked I'm still here today. And to be able to walk and do everything I was before, so to hear that, it was a gift from God,' said Barr. Barr said she isn't letting this incident slow her down. She plans to continue working as a nurse and pursue her doctorate in nursing. 'Obstacles are there to make you stronger. But this obstacle has not set me back in any way. I will be successful, I will thrive,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
