What do we know about suspect Elias Rodriguez? What we know about the suspect in Washington Jewish museum shooting
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TWO Israeli embassy workers who were about to get engaged have been shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington DC.
The gunman was heard chanting "free Palestine" after committing the heinous crime on the night of Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Here's everything we know about suspect Elias Rodriguez.
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Israeli embassy shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez screamed 'free Palestine' after allegedly gunning down a young couple
Credit: X/PhoenixTV
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The 30-year-old reportedly confessed to the shooting after being arrested
Credit: X/PhoenixTV
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The young couple have been named as Yaron Lisinsky and Sarah Milgrim
Credit: @IsraelinUSA
Who is Elias Rodriguez?
The suspect in the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago.
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed Rodriguez's identity during the official press conference.
Authorities also stated that Rodriguez had no previous contact with law enforcement.
According to police accounts shared at the press conference, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before the attack.
Shooting
He then approached a group of four individuals who were leaving an event at the museum, produced a handgun and opened fire.
A man and a woman were struck, both of whom worked at the Israeli Embassy.
The victims were described as a couple, engaged to be married, who were leaving the event when they were shot.
Hours after the shooting, a heartbreaking picture of the victims was released by Israel's US embassy, naming them as Yaron Lisinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum building, where he was apprehended by security personnel and taken into police custody.
'Free Palestine, free Palestine'
Chief Smith said the suspect chanted "Free Palestine, free Palestine" after being taken into custody.
She added: "After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum and was detained by event security."
"Once in handcuffs, the suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered, and he implied that he committed the offense."
These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA
Donald Trump
Spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, Tal Naim Cohen, confirmed the two staff members were shot 'at close range' overnight.
Terrified witnesses
Terrified witnesses said they rushed over after hearing the gunshots, but weren't sure who had been injured at first.
Some even went to help the suspected shooter after he entered the building looking distressed.
Onlooker Yoni Kalin told Fox News: "He was clearly in trauma, he was in shock.
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A man with an Israeli flag draped over his shoulders pictured near the scene where two people were shot
Credit: EPA
"Some of the people at the event sat him down, brought him water, asked if he was okay, and he was like 'call the cops'."
He is said to have confessed to the double murder to police less than 15 minutes later.
'Antisemitism'
Danny Dannon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, described the attack as "a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism".
He posted on X: "We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act."
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Police officers on the scene near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington
Credit: EPA
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social shortly after the shooting to pay his respects to the couple.
He said: "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 Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to "bring this depraved perpetrator to justice", describing the attack as "senseless".
While Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was "devastated".
In the wake of the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered enhanced security measures for his national diplomats around the world.
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