WASHINGTON — The fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum late Wednesday night has shocked the Washington, D.C., community and drawn national attention. Authorities have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago.
Here’s what is currently known about the suspect, the victims, and the incident.
The Shooting Incident
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were both staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. They had attended an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum earlier in the evening. After the event concluded and the couple exited the museum, they were shot and killed.
According to D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith, Elias Rodriguez had earlier entered the museum during the event, shouting “Free, free Palestine.” Smith said that after Rodriguez was arrested later that night, he repeated the same chant while in police custody.
Authorities have not released a detailed motive for the attack, but they are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime or act of political violence, given Rodriguez’s actions and statements.
Who Is Elias Rodriguez?
Elias Rodriguez is a resident of Chicago and, according to his LinkedIn profile, is employed by the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA). He began working with the organization in July 2024. The AOIA is a professional association that provides advocacy and support for the osteopathic medical profession.
In response to the arrest, the AOIA and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) released a joint statement on Thursday:
“We were shocked and saddened to learn that an AOIA employee has been arrested as a suspect in this horrific crime… We believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence.”
Both organizations pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities during the ongoing investigation.
Professional and Academic Background
According to an archived biography on The HistoryMakers website—a nonprofit focused on preserving African American oral histories—Rodriguez has previously worked as an oral history researcher. His responsibilities reportedly included gathering and documenting interviews to help preserve narratives of prominent Black Americans.
Rodriguez is also listed as a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English.
Alleged Political Affiliation
Following the shooting, speculation circulated online suggesting that Rodriguez may have ties to the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a political organization known for its far-left stance and outspoken criticism of U.S. foreign policy and Zionism.
The PSL quickly issued a statement distancing itself from Rodriguez, confirming that he is not a current member:
“Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL. He had a brief association with one branch of the PSL that ended in 2017. We have had no contact with him in over seven years.”
The organization added that it “rejects any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting,” emphasizing that it does not condone violence of any kind.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Rodriguez was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Details on how law enforcement identified and located him have not been released publicly, but police confirmed that he was arrested without further incident.
The FBI, along with local law enforcement and federal agencies including the U.S. Secret Service, is involved in the investigation. As of now, Rodriguez has not entered a plea, and no official charges beyond his arrest have been disclosed.
Law enforcement is expected to provide further updates as the investigation continues.
Community Response
The shooting has sparked widespread outrage and grief, particularly among Jewish and diplomatic communities in Washington, D.C. Israeli embassy officials and representatives from the American Jewish Committee have expressed shock and sadness over the violent deaths of their colleagues.
Calls for increased security around Jewish institutions and diplomatic missions have grown louder in the wake of the incident, with advocates citing rising global tensions and antisemitic threats as contributing factors.
What Comes Next
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are working to determine whether Rodriguez acted alone or was influenced by broader ideologies or affiliations. They are also examining his online activity and communications for further evidence.
Meanwhile, community members have begun organizing vigils and memorials to honor Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, both remembered for their dedication to international diplomacy and cultural outreach.
This developing story continues to evolve. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward as law enforcement pieces together the full context of the shooting and the motivations behind it.
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