US seeks death penalty in killing of Israeli embassy staff members

The US government has filed notice that it will seek the death penalty for Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington DC last year.

US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the notice covers three of the 13 charges against the 31-year-old, including murder of a foreign official, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm.

Prosecutors allege Rodriguez shot Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May 2025.

They say the pair were leaving a networking event for young Jewish professionals when he fired 20 shots, killing them both.

The case is being treated as a targeted act of terror and also includes hate crime and terrorism charges.

Prosecutors have said Rodriguez travelled from Chicago to Washington DC with a handgun after researching the event.

The death penalty notice marks a significant escalation in a politically and diplomatically sensitive case.

President Donald Trump has backed federal capital punishment, while his predecessor Joe Biden had limited its use.

Prosecutors also allege Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" during his arrest and later said: "I did it for Palestine.

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