A man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., has been charged with multiple crimes, while a socialist political group distances itself from any connection to the incident.
Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, is at the center of a high-profile investigation following the fatal shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The deadly attack happened late Wednesday when Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on four individuals leaving an event near the museum. Two victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, died at the scene. Both were embassy employees and had moved to the U.S. recently. They were also reportedly planning to get engaged soon.
Rodriguez was detained inside the museum shortly after the shooting and now faces federal charges, including the murder of foreign officials, firearm use resulting in death, and first-degree murder. Video footage captured his arrest, and witnesses described his unusual behavior just before the attack. Some said he appeared agitated and was pacing near the entrance.
As the investigation unfolds, officials are looking into whether the incident could be linked to terrorism or hate crimes. The FBI has joined local police in questioning Rodriguez, who reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest.
Following the incident, attention turned to Rodriguez’s political background. He had previously been involved in activism, including a brief stint with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a group known for supporting Palestinian causes. However, the PSL quickly clarified that Rodriguez has not been affiliated with them since 2017. They issued a statement firmly rejecting any link to the attack and denying that he is a current member.
Rodriguez’s past includes participating in protests and giving speeches critical of police violence and corporate influence. In 2017, he spoke at a demonstration in Chicago, where he discussed social justice issues. His activism was mainly local, and there is no public record of extremist behavior linked to violence prior to this week.
He currently resides in the Avondale area of Chicago and has worked in administrative roles. His LinkedIn page shows that he’s employed by the American Osteopathic Association and holds a degree from the University of Illinois.
The Israeli embassy confirmed the identities of the two victims and is cooperating with authorities. The shooting has sparked fresh debate about safety, political extremism, and the role of online activism. Authorities continue to examine the motive and whether there are any wider connections to extremist networks or ideologies.
Rodriguez remains in custody as legal proceedings begin, and the case is expected to draw national and international attention in the coming weeks.