Washington, 23 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The man accused of the fatal Washington shooting of a young couple working at the Israeli embassy has been charged with murder, authorities announced on Thursday.

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were killed as they exited the Capital Jewish Museum from a Jewish function for young diplomats on Wednesday evening.

The suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, had been charged with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He was also charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the US Attorney's Office said in a statement.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi said the "brutal, anti-Semitic violence" had no place in US or anywhere in civilization.

"We will follow the facts and secure the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together," Bondi said.

Acting US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the shooting was being investigated as a hate crime and a crime of terrorism.

"Violence against anyone, based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero," Pirro told a press conference.

"Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital."

Pirro said the investigation was still in its early stages, but the charges involve crimes that could carry the death penalty if convicted. The judge has scheduled a hearing in the case for June 18.

Rodriguez, 30, allegedly opened fire on the victims as they left the museum, according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed Rodriguez walking past the victims before turning and firing multiple rounds, the Attorney's Office statement said.

"After the victims fell, he allegedly continued firing at close range, including as one attempted to crawl away. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun and 21 spent shell casings at the scene."

Whether the suspected shooter knew the two or what connection he might have to them is unclear.

World leaders condemned the killings, with European Union top diplomat Kaja Kallas, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump among those to share their shock and condolences.

Shooting comes days after Israeli military offensive

The shooting occurred after Israel's military recently launched a major air and ground offensive in the sealed-off Gaza Strip, where around 2 million Palestinians live.

Israel's actions in the region are facing increasing international criticism, including from close allies.

The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas and other Palestinian extremists invaded Israel, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 hostage.

Israel responded with a massive military operation, which has since killed more than 53,000 in the Gaza Strip, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. The figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

Photo: dpa