The fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is being investigated as a hate crime and an act of terrorism, authorities confirmed Thursday.
The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, faces multiple federal charges, including two counts of first-degree murder and the murder of foreign officials.
Suspect Faces Federal and Terrorism Charges
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced the charges at a news conference, emphasizing the gravity of the crime.
“This is a horrific crime, and these crimes are not going to be tolerated by me and my office,” she said.
Rodriguez has been formally charged with:
- Two counts of first-degree murder
- Murder of foreign officials
- Causing death with a firearm
- Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence
Pirro added that more charges could follow and noted that Rodriguez could face the death penalty or life in prison. A preliminary court hearing is set for June 18, and Rodriguez will remain in custody.
