US Files Terrorism Charges in Killing of Two Israeli Diplomats

A man accused of killing two Israeli diplomats in Washington, DC, last year has been indicted on four additional terrorism-related charges, according to a new indictment unsealed on Wednesday.

The revised indictment brings the total number of charges against the accused to nine, including previously filed hate crime counts. Several of the charges carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment, the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said.

“These additional terrorism-related charges carry a mandatory life sentence under DC law and reflect the reality that this was, in fact, an act of terror,” US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in a statement.

Prosecutors allege that Elias Rodriguez, 31, opened fire on people leaving an event for young professionals and diplomats organised by the American Jewish Committee, an advocacy group that combats antisemitism and supports Israel.

Rodriguez is accused of firing around 20 rounds from a semi-automatic handgun and shouting “Free Palestine” during the attack, according to court documents.

His lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, both employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

Darren B. Cox, assistant director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, said Rodriguez had written and published a manifesto in an attempt to “morally justify his actions” and encourage others to engage in political violence.

The shooting was widely condemned by world leaders and took place amid deep political polarisation in the United States, including widespread student protests linked to the war in Gaza.

The conflict began after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed at least 1,665 Israelis and foreign nationals. More than 67,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza between October 2023 and October 2025, according to Gaza health authorities.