Chicago Man Suspected in Fatal DC Jewish Museum Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff

Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, is the suspect in the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Rodriguez was initially mistaken for a distressed bystander by event attendees and security, who offered him assistance inside the museum after the shooting, before he revealed his involvement by shouting "Free Palestine" and displaying a keffiyeh. Authorities have described the incident as a targeted act of violence with antisemitic motives, noting that the victims were a couple and embassy employees, with plans to travel to Jerusalem soon. Eyewitnesses recounted Rodriguez's unsettling behavior before and after the shooting, including pacing outside the museum and acting visibly distressed inside. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, whose staff member attended the event, expressed horror and reiterated support for Israel while condemning antisemitism and gun violence. The investigation is ongoing, with Rodriguez held for questioning by the FBI and local police.