Elias Rodriguez Charged in Capitol Jewish Museum Hate Crime; Death Penalty Eligible

Suspect Charged in Capitol Jewish Museum Attack

• 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, has been charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Yaron Lehinski, an official guest of the United States and employee of the state of Israel.
• Rodriguez also faces two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Yaron Lehinski and Sarah Lynn Mgrim, both 26 years old.
• Additional felony firearms charges have been filed for discharging a firearm during the violent crime and causing death.

Investigation as Hate Crime and Terrorism

• The attack outside the Capitol Jewish Museum is being investigated as a hate crime and a crime of terrorism.
• Authorities are committed to vigorously pursuing the case, stating that anti-semitism will not be tolerated.
• The FBI is collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Department and other FBI offices to investigate, reviewing Rodriguez's associates, family, co-workers, electronic devices, social media, and internet postings.

Potential for Death Penalty

• The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia indicated that the case is death penalty eligible.
• While it is too early to confirm if the death penalty will be sought, the President and Attorney General have expressed intent to use it in appropriate cases.
• Additional charges are expected to be added as the investigation progresses and evidence warrants.