A tragic and violent event unfolded in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, leaving two people dead and raising the possibility of federal capital charges against the accused gunman.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of two individuals identified as Israeli Embassy staff members. The incident occurred near the Capital Jewish Museum during a private diplomatic gathering, sending shockwaves through the city’s international and local communities.

During a press conference on Thursday, Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that Rodriguez faces several serious charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, firearms violations, and a federal offense related to the killing of foreign officials.

Pirro indicated that the case is death penalty-eligible, though no final decision has been made on whether prosecutors will pursue that path. “This is a very serious case, and while it is early in the legal process, it falls under the category of offenses that could lead to capital punishment if a conviction is secured,” she said.

Rodriguez appeared briefly in court following his arrest and waived his right to a detention hearing. He will remain in custody without bond while the case proceeds. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 18.

The victims were identified in an affidavit as Yaron Lischinsky, 31, and Sarah Milgrim, 26. Both were affiliated with the Israeli diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C. Officials confirmed that Lischinsky had been granted “official guest” status by the U.S. State Department. The two victims were reportedly in a relationship and had plans to get engaged.

According to court documents and surveillance footage reviewed by investigators, the attack occurred just outside a crosswalk near the museum, where the victims had been walking together. The footage shows a man, believed to be Rodriguez, approaching from behind wearing jeans, a hooded jacket, and a large backpack.

Without any verbal confrontation or warning, the suspect allegedly pulled out a 9 mm handgun and began firing. Both victims were struck and fell to the ground, but the shooter continued firing, even as Milgrim attempted to crawl away. Investigators noted that Rodriguez appeared to reload the weapon and shoot again before fleeing.

At the crime scene, authorities recovered 21 shell casings, a discarded magazine, and the firearm used in the attack. The weapon was later confirmed to have been legally purchased in Illinois in 2020 and transported as checked baggage on a flight from Chicago to Washington the day before the shooting.

Emergency services responded quickly. Milgrim, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where she was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m.

Rodriguez was located and apprehended nearby by Metropolitan Police officers. During the arrest, he reportedly said, “I did it for Palestine,” and declared himself unarmed before surrendering. Witnesses also reported seeing him earlier in the day wearing a red keffiyeh, a traditional head covering sometimes associated with political or cultural demonstrations.

Pirro addressed the gravity of the crime in her remarks, stating, “Two families have been devastated. Their lives were full of promise, and now they are gone. Our office is committed to ensuring justice is served.”

Law enforcement officials have not commented on whether they are investigating potential political or ideological motivations, but they did confirm that Rodriguez acted alone and is not currently linked to any known organizations.

The event has drawn attention not just for its violence but also because it involved diplomatic personnel, which elevates the legal complexity of the case. Federal law includes specific protections and heightened penalties for crimes committed against foreign officials while they are on U.S. soil.

The Justice Department has said it will review all available evidence before making decisions about charges related to international or terrorism laws.

While the case is still in its early stages, legal experts say it could take many months to reach trial. Rodriguez’s mental health and potential motives are likely to play key roles in his defense and the prosecution’s strategy.

In the meantime, diplomatic leaders have expressed condolences and support for the victims’ families. The Israeli Embassy has not issued a detailed public statement but confirmed that the two individuals were valued members of their team.

This high-profile case will be closely watched as it unfolds in federal court, both for its legal implications and the broader conversation it may ignite about safety, ideology, and the responsibilities of hosting foreign representatives on American soil.