The man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staff members near a museum in Washington, D.C., was caught on video being arrested while shouting, “Free, free Palestine.” The fatal shooting took place on Wednesday, May 21, just outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
What We Know So Far in the Israeli Embassy Case
Authorities have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before he approached a group of four people and opened fire with a handgun, fatally wounding two individuals.
Both victims, later identified as Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were affiliated with the Israeli Embassy. The shooting occurred in close proximity to an event attended by Israeli diplomats.
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What Witnesses Saw
Eyewitness Katie Kalisher shared footage of the arrest, in which Rodriguez is heard repeatedly shouting “Free, free Palestine” as officers place him in handcuffs.
Kalisher told Good Morning America that after the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum and pulled a kufiya scarf from his backpack, saying, “I did it. I did this for Gaza.” She initially believed the man was seeking shelter.
Another eyewitness, Yoni Kalin, told the BBC that Rodriguez admitted to the shooting when police arrived, saying, “I did this. I’m unarmed,” before again referencing Gaza and Palestine.
Video shows the suspect in the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members shouts “free Palestine” as he was arrested outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. pic.twitter.com/yIGf9miEir
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) May 22, 2025
Who Were the Victims
The victims, identified as Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were working with the Israeli Embassy. Their professional roles have not been detailed publicly. During a press conference, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, confirmed their affiliations with the embassy and referred to them as a couple. Further details about their status or positions have not been released by officials.
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The Investigation
Following the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum where he was detained by event security. Police say he later directed officers to where he had discarded the weapon used in the attack. Authorities confirmed the firearm was recovered.
Rodriguez has not yet been formally charged. Police stated he “implied that he committed the offense,” but no additional details regarding potential political affiliations or prior criminal history have been shared. Investigators have not said whether the attack will be classified as a hate crime, an act of terrorism, or another federal offense.
The investigation into the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members remains ongoing. As footage of the suspect’s arrest circulates online, the case raises broader questions about political violence, public security at diplomatic events, and how these acts are categorized and prosecuted under U.S. law.
