Washington shooting: Murder charges filed for the deaths of Israeli embassy employees

On May 22, a federal court in the US capital began a trial in connection with the shooting that shocked the public. Elias R., a 30-year-old resident of Chicago, was formally charged with a number of serious charges for planning an attack on employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

According to prosecutors, the incident occurred on the evening of May 21 in downtown Washington. Elias R. opened fire on two employees near the embassy, as a result of which they died. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, murder of a foreign official, committing a crime of violence with the use of a firearm, as well as murder with a firearm.

Investigative officials are assessing the case as a hate crime and a possible act of terrorism. According to Jeanine Pirro, acting head of the Washington Federal Prosecutor's Office, the investigation will examine the motives of this attack and those involved. She noted that the defendant could be sentenced to the death penalty.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi, citing preliminary findings, said the suspect may have acted alone.

At his first court appearance on May 22, Elias R. was very quiet. When the judge asked him if he understood his rights, he replied “yes.” He also waived his right to a hearing on the arrest warrant. The next stage of the trial is scheduled for June 18.

From the Zamin.uz editorial office: The assassination of embassy employees in the US could have a serious impact not only on international relations, but also on domestic security issues. It is being watched with great interest what evidence will be revealed during the investigation and what legal consequences this case will have.

Photo: IsraelinUSA/Twitter/Anadolu/picture alliance