Crypto traders launched sick meme coins in tribute to the terrorist accused of slaying two Israeli Embassy staffers

Elias Rodriguez, 31, was arrested for fatally shooting Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and his soon-to-be-fiancé, Sarah Milgrim, 26, just after 9 p.m. Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

People on Friday morning expressed disgust as crypto traders launched sick meme coins in tribute to the terrorist accused of slaying two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington DC.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, was arrested for fatally shooting Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and his soon-to-be-fiancé, Sarah Milgrim, 26, just after 9 p.m. Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Less than six hours later, crypto trolls launched $ELIAS, a meme coin in the alleged gunman’s honor on Solana, according to Gecko Terminal.

A screenshot posted to X at 1:15 a.m. Friday showed the token’s market cap at $261,000 but roughly 30 minutes later, the value had jumped to a disgusting $368,000.

As of Friday afternoon the digital asset saw a market cap of $24,000 — down 61% over the previous 24 hours.

People are now expressing disgust at the meme coin traders who quickly grew bored of the token and moved on.

aquinoxius

@aquinoxius

· 1h

The fact that people on a crypto cc are making fun of the fact that people got tired of a token named after a mass murderer quickly enough to move on to another one says a lot about their priorities. Like yeah it’s funny but it’s also kind of sad.

The two diplomats were shot dead as they left the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception.

Lischinsky and Milgrim were shot multiple times and died at the scene, while the suspect was seen fleeing in a white pickup truck, authorities said.

Rodriguez was caught on surveillance footage firing several shots at the couple before they both collapsed, according to an arrest affidavit.

He allegedly leaned over the bullet-riddled duo and continued shooting, then followed Milgrim as she made a desperate attempt to escape, firing at her again, the documents showed.

The Chicago native was seen reloading his weapon before firing at Milgrim once more.

Rodriguez was charged Thursday with first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence in federal court.

The case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Burton, while the investigation was conducted by agents of the FBI’s Washington D.C. Division.

“This was a senseless and tragic act of violence that took the lives of two innocent people,” U.S. Attorney Monroul said in a statement.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and friends during this difficult time.”

The suspect was arrested in the early hours of Thursday in northern Virginia, and a copy of the criminal complaint was shared with The Daily Star.

The pair were shot dead around 9.30 p.m. Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Both victims worked for the Israeli Ministry of Economy and had been living in the U.S. on work visas.

Milgrim had recently completed her master’s degree in public administration at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

The couple were due to get engaged at a ceremony in Jerusalem next week, according to Hebrew-language news site Haaretz.

Milgrim’s family said in a statement: “Our hearts are broken. Sarah was a bright light who lit up every room with her infectious smile and kind spirit.

“She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.”

Lischinsky’s family said: “Yaron was a bright and promising young man who had a passion for serving others and making a difference in the world.

“He was a devoted son, brother, and friend, and we are devastated by his loss.”

The Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two Israeli Embassy employees, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this difficult time. We are grateful to the U.S. authorities for their swift response in apprehending the suspect.”

The embassy also urged members of the Israeli community in the U.S. to be vigilant and take precautions for their safety.

The murders sent shockwaves through the close-knit Israeli community in Washington D.C.

A memorial service for the couple was held Thursday morning at the Capital Jewish Museum.

A crowd of several hundred people, including embassy officials, diplomats, and members of the local Jewish community, gathered to pay their respects.

The service was livestreamed on the synagogue’s website.

A rabbi officiated the service, which included eulogies from Milgrim and Lischinsky’s parents, siblings, and close friends.