Two Israeli Embassy staff were murdered outside an American Jewish Committee event by a gunman who later shouted “Free Free Palestine,” as he was being detained. The deadly attack happened outside an AJC-hosted event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21.

Authorities later identified the suspect as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.

Here’s what we know so far about the shooting and the suspect:

What happened?

Israeli Embassy employees Sarah Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, a couple soon to be engaged, were gunned down just after leaving an AJC event for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday. Police identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago. (Learn more about Sarah and Yaron, and the AJC event they attended on May 21.) According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before opening fire at close range on the couple, firing at least 21 rounds. He continued to shoot even after the victims had fallen, reloaded his weapon, and executed Milgrim as she tried to crawl away, according to the FBI.

Rodriguez later entered the museum, reportedly pretending to be fleeing the shooting. He then revealed a red keffiyeh and shouted “Free Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody. In a later statement to investigators, Rodriguez stated, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal officials said. The handgun used in the attack—a 9mm—had reportedly been legally purchased in Illinois and flown with him to D.C. two days prior. Officials also revealed that Rodriguez had expressed admiration for a U.S. airman who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in protest of the war in Gaza, calling the act courageous.

Federal authorities are investigating the murders as both an antisemitic hate crime and an act of terrorism. Rodriguez has been charged with multiple federal offenses, including the first degree murder of foreign officials, and could face the death penalty. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Rodriguez is charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder under the D.C. criminal code.”

In a press conference, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C., called the case “death penalty eligible.”

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “This brutal, antisemitic violence has no place in our country or anywhere in civilization… We will follow the facts and secure the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen said, “Make no mistake: This attack was targeted, antisemitic violence… The FBI will continue to pursue all leads and use all available resources to investigate this heinous murder.”

Who is the shooter?

Elias Rodriguez is a 31-year-old from Chicago. He has worked as a researcher at The HistoryMakers, preparing biographies for the oral history archive of contemporary Black historical figures, and most recently worked for the American Osteopathic Information Association, a nonprofit for osteopathic professionals, according to his LinkedIn profile. In 2017, he protested against the police shooting of a Chicago teen with a branch of the left-wing Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) but has purportedly not been active with the group since that time. In a post on X, PSL said, “He had a brief association with one branch of the PSL that ended in 2017.” 

A manifesto defending violent action against Israel was posted to X by an account under the name Elias Rodriguez less than an hour after he allegedly carried out the attack, according to The Forward. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino said the Bureau was examining the manifesto. The 900-word post, titled "Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home," sought to justify “armed action” as a response to perceived Israeli atrocities and was linked to a broader pattern of antisemitic and pro-violence rhetoric from the same account. 

When “Free Palestine” Turns Violent

The suspect in the deadly Washington, D.C., shooting shouted “Free, Free Palestine”, as seen in a video of his arrest. This underscores a dangerous and growing reality: the relentless demonization of Israel poses a tangible threat to Jews around the world. That same phrase has been used repeatedly to vandalize Jewish institutions, synagogues, and Jewish ritual items; Jews posting holiday greetings on social media often garner anti-Israel harassment in the comments, including phrases like “Free Palestine.”  The phrase can be used as a call for a Palestinian state through non-violent means, but when it is weaponized to harass Jews or justify murder, it cannot be seen as benign political speech.

In a CNN interview just hours after the shooting, AJC CEO Ted Deutch emphasized that “words have consequences.” From antisemitic memes and conspiracy theories circulating online, to slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” shouted in the streets, the line between rhetoric and violence is collapsing. 

All responsible actors must ensure that provocative words do not become catalysts for hate. It is perfectly acceptable and admirable to advocate for Palestinian rights, but when activists are silent about demonization, tragically, Jewish communities worldwide pay the price.

According to recent findings from AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2024 Report, the anti-Jewish hate that engulfed the world at the end of 2023 wasn't just a moment in time. It is still present and threatens the freedoms of American Jews daily.

A large majority of American Jews – 77% – said they feel less safe as a Jewish person in the U.S. because of the October 7 terror attacks on Israel, the report found. Nine in 10 (90%) American Jews say antisemitism in the U.S. has increased since Hamas’ October 7 massacre of Israelis. 

Now more than ever, there must be a whole-of-society response. Political leaders, faith communities, cultural institutions, and citizens of conscience must act with urgency and moral clarity to confront antisemitism in all its forms—before this age-old hatred claims more lives.

How are leaders around the world reacting?

Following the tragic shooting, U.S. leaders have expressed strong condemnation and solidarity with the victims. President Donald Trump denounced the killings as "obviously based on antisemitism" and emphasized that "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged to prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also condemned the attack, with Johnson calling it a "horrific" and "obviously an antisemitic attack."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack and ordered increased security at Israeli embassies worldwide. Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized unity between Israel and the U.S. in defending shared values. Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union also issued statements condemning the violence and expressing support for Israel.