The killing of two Israelis in D.C. was called an act of terror
A suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was charged with first-degree murder and other crimes after the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington late Wednesday. Rodriguez had a history of pro-Palestinian activism, U.S. officials said, and he declared “Free, free Palestine” after he had been detained. Here’s what we know about him.
Officials said the gunman had approached four people who were leaving an event at a Jewish museum, shot the two victims and then entered the museum, where he was detained by security officers. He was filmed on surveillance video walking past the two victims, then turning to face their backs, firing several times and firing more shots after they fell to the ground, according to an F.B.I. affidavit filed yesterday.
The F.B.I. director referred to the killings as an act of terror. The shooting occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum, where the American Jewish Committee was hosting a reception for young diplomats. Here’s the latest.
The victims: Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were a couple. She was a research assistant in the embassy’s political department, and he organized trips to Israel. Lischinsky had just bought an engagement ring.
History: More than 50 years ago, an Israeli military attaché was gunned down in front of his home in Maryland, a killing with parallels to the Wednesday attack. The gunman was never found.
The first substantial influx of food aid since Israel’s blockade began two months ago entered Gaza yesterday, the U.N. said. About 90 truckloads of aid — which U.N. officials called a tiny fraction of what’s needed — reached the territory after days of delays, the U.N. and Israel confirmed.
The U.N. agency that coordinates humanitarian relief said Israel had required its trucks to take an extremely perilous route. U.N. officials believed looting was “highly likely” unless the plans were changed, the agency said. Israel’s refusal to let food and fuel into Gaza has led to widespread hunger.
The latest: Yesterday, some bakeries resumed production for the first time since April 2, the head of the Gaza Bakers Association said. Large crowds rushed to get bread, raising concerns for bakery workers’ safety, he added.
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named a new leader for the country’s domestic intelligence service, the Shin Bet, after clashing with the last one.