First Degree Murder Charges For DC Embassy Shooter

CNN reports:

The Justice Department charged Elias Rodriguez, 31, with federal murder charges in connection to the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members.

At least one of the charges — using a firearm to commit murder — carries the possibility of the death penalty. The Justice Department levied the same capital charge earlier this year against Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson.

Rodriguez is also charged with first degree murder, murdering foreign officials, and using a firearm during a violent crime. Rodriguez is making his initial appearance in a Washington, DC, federal courthouse this afternoon. He was arrested yesterday at the scene of the killings in downtown DC.

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U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and LE partners announce charges in the shooting deaths of two Israeli Embassy staff members. pic.twitter.com/oZZJ3BlbJ7

— U.S. Attorney DC (@USAO_DC) May 22, 2025

“These crimes are not going to be tolerated by me and by this office.”

Jeanine Pirro, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, details the multiple charges facing the suspect in the shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers. https://t.co/S7zhpvUPCO pic.twitter.com/tsraWTKGEG

— ABC News (@ABC) May 22, 2025

DC presser after two Israeli embassy staffers were gunned down

Interim U.S. Atty for Washington, D.C. Judge Pirro: “This is a death penalty eligible case.”

— Dana Alexa (@DanaAlexaNews) May 22, 2025