Who is Elias Rodriguez? The man who chanted ‘Free Palestine' before shooting two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington DC

Economic Times

22-05-2025

Reuters A man looks on next to police officers working at the site where, according to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., U.S. May 21, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, has been named as the suspect in the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.Authorities confirmed Rodriguez had no previous contact with law enforcement. He was detained shortly after the incident on Wednesday evening. The attack occurred outside the museum, near 3rd and F Streets in Northwest Washington—steps away from the FBI's field office and the U.S. Attorney's office.Washington Police Chief Pamela A. Smith stated that the suspect was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting and was quickly taken into custody. 'Free Palestine, Free Palestine,' Rodriguez chanted after his arrest, she confirmed.A weapon was recovered at the scene, and while officials are still investigating the motive, the shooting is being treated as a targeted act of violence.The victims, a man and a woman, were staff members of the Israeli Embassy attending a Jewish event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum. The shooting took place shortly after 9 p.m.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, said, 'Two of its staff members were shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the museum.'The victims, reportedly a couple, were described by Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter as 'a beautiful couple' who were about to be engaged. 'The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,' he said.'This horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city and in our country,' said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. 'We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city.'The event was part of the AJC ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception, designed to connect Jewish young professionals and diplomats. The theme of the evening was 'turning pain into purpose,' with speakers from humanitarian groups focused on the Middle East and North Africa.Police said the suspect approached four individuals leaving the event and shot two of them before walking into the museum, where he was detained by security. Chief Smith said it was still unclear why Rodriguez entered the museum post-attack or what he planned next.
The incident happened during a period of heightened global tension following Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack in Israel and Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have surged in response, including outside embassies and across U.S. college campuses. 'This was a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,' said Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the UN. 'Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.'President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social: 'These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!'Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed federal support. 'We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,' she posted on X.FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed that federal agents were working closely with Washington police and that the situation posed no ongoing threat. 'Please pray for the victims and their families,' he said.Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro were present at the scene. Bondi said she had spoken to President Trump multiple times that night. 'On behalf of the president, his prayers are with all of us all within the Jewish community,' she told reporters.Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said: 'We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue. Our thoughts are solely with the victims and their families.'Senator Chuck Schumer called the shooting 'a sickening act of antisemitism,' while Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also issued strong condemnations.While the suspect remains in custody, police continue to probe the motivation behind the attack and whether it was a lone act or part of a broader threat. Authorities have not yet released the names of the victims.The Israeli Embassy and Jewish organisations have urged the public to remain vigilant but unified. 'We are a resilient people,' said Ambassador Leiter. 'And we will stand strong together.'