Who is Elias Rodriguez? Chicago resident, BLM supporter, and socialist with no prior criminal record Would you like it to sound more formal, sensational, or casual?

The suspected pro-Palestinian gunman who killed a young Jewish diplomatic couple in Washington DC has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, a left-wing activist.

Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, is known for his far-left views. He worked as an oral history researcher focusing on African American communities at the educational nonprofit TheHistoryMakers, took part in anti-capitalist protests, and was involved with the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

According to a now-deleted profile on the organization’s website, his responsibilities included preparing detailed research outlines and biographies of prominent African American leaders.

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According to his profile, Rodriguez previously worked as a content writer in the technology sector and holds a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Photos shared on social media appear to show Rodriguez participating in a Black Lives Matter protest in 2017, marking the third anniversary of the police shooting of Laquan McDonald in Chicago. He is also believed to have been affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

An alleged manifesto attributed to Rodriguez was published online prior to the shootings. It stated: “Public opinion has shifted against the genocidal apartheid state, and the American government has simply shrugged. They’ll do without public opinion then, criminalize it where they can, suffocate it with bland reassurances that they’re doing all they can to restrain Israel where it cannot criminalize protest outright.”

The release of the manifesto coincides with video footage from the Wednesday night shooting in Washington DC, which reportedly shows Rodriguez shouting “Free Palestine” following the attack.

The victims of the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, located just 1.3 miles from the White House, have been identified as Israeli diplomat Yaron Lischinsky and his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim.

Former President Donald Trump condemned the attack, stating, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”

The couple, who were engaged to be married next week, had attended a Young Diplomats event shortly before they were shot.

The suspected pro-Palestinian gunman who killed a young Jewish diplomatic couple in Washington DC has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, who was seen sitting calmly outside the museum at the time of his arrest.

Rodriguez, a Chicago native, is believed to be a far-left activist who worked as an oral history researcher focusing on African American communities at the educational nonprofit TheHistoryMakers.

Lischinsky was a German-Israeli dual citizen working as a research assistant for Middle East and North African Affairs in the Embassy’s Political Department, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, revealed that Lischinsky had bought an engagement ring earlier this week with plans to propose next week in Jerusalem.

The other victim in Wednesday night’s senseless attack was his fiancée-to-be.

Milgrim worked in the embassy’s public diplomacy department and held a master’s degree in international studies from American University.

One of her key responsibilities was organizing missions and visits to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed “wild incitement against the State of Israel” for the horrific attack, calling it the “terrible price of antisemitism.”

Disturbing images taken shortly after the shooting show Rodriguez sitting calmly on a bench with one leg crossed, while separate footage captures him being forcibly restrained by police.

As he is dragged away, he repeatedly shouts, “Free, free Palestine,” struggling against the officers’ hold.

Rodriguez is suspected of killing a young Israeli couple at the Jewish Museum in Washington DC on Wednesday night. He was photographed during his arrest shortly after the incident.

Rodriguez is seen surrounded by police and security shortly after Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were shot. Witnesses say they were unaware he was the suspect until his arrest and alleged confession.

Personal belongings were left scattered on the sidewalk outside the museum following the tragic shooting.

Haunting images emerged as witnesses described seeing Rodriguez pacing back and forth outside the museum’s cocktail reception.

According to the Israeli Embassy, he then approached a group that included Lischinsky and Milgrim and shot them at close range with a handgun.

Shortly afterward, Rodriguez calmly walked into the museum. Yoni Kalin told Fox 5 News that well-meaning security guards allowed him inside, believing he was a victim.

“He was clearly in trauma, in shock. Some people at the event sat him down, offered him water, and asked if he was okay. He just said, ‘Call the cops,’” Kalin said.

About ten minutes later, when authorities arrived, Rodriguez allegedly confessed to the shooting.

Kalin added that Rodriguez pulled a red kaffiyeh from his pocket and began chanting “Free Palestine,” saying, “There’s only one solution, Intifada revolution.” Kalin also noted, “Thank God he left the gun in the bushes outside.”

Still in shock and confused, Kalin saw the red kaffiyeh fall to the ground and attempted to return it to Rodriguez as he was taken away, according to the video footage.

In the video showing Rodriguez’s arrest, a plastic cup of water can be seen resting on a nearby bench.

Emotional photos capture an onlooker draped in a Jewish flag as police secured the area around the shooting scene.

Milgrim was part of the embassy’s public diplomacy department and held a master’s degree in international studies from American University.

Lischinsky, a German-Israeli dual citizen, worked as a research assistant for Middle East and North African Affairs in the Embassy’s Political Department. He is pictured here with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum on Wednesday night, CEO Ted Deutch confirmed.

Following the revelation of Rodriguez’s association with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), the group issued a statement condemning the attack and denying any connection to the alleged shooter.

“We reject any attempt to link the PSL to the DC shooting. Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL,” the statement on X read.

“We have had no contact with him for over seven years. We have no involvement with this shooting and do not support it.”

The shocking shooting late Wednesday night has been widely condemned around the world.

Former President Donald Trump released a statement condemning the “hatred and radicalism” that led to the brutal attack.

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!”

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, described the shooting as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

He stated, “The shooting outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington – in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured – is a criminal act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Attacking diplomats and the Jewish community crosses a red line.”

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter arrived at the scene of the tragedy on Wednesday night.

The evening was “dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating Jewish heritage,” featuring appetizers, cocktails, conversations, and a special guest speaker.

The event was scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the shooting taking place around 9:15 p.m.

“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence occurred outside the venue,” the organization said. “As we await more information from the police about what exactly happened, our thoughts and hearts are with those affected and their families.”

Tal Naim Cohen, spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy, said the couple was shot “at close range” while celebrating the evening.

Less than 24 hours before the incident, the Capital Jewish Museum had been awarded a security grant amid growing concerns about the safety of guests and staff.

“Jewish institutions throughout the city and country are deeply concerned about security due to recent alarming incidents and a rising climate of antisemitism,” said Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz.

At least two people have died following a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC, an incident being called a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

“We invest significant resources in security to ensure our doors remain open to the public as a welcoming space, while also keeping everyone safe,” the museum said.

The museum recently opened a new exhibit titled LGBT Jews in the Federal City, timed to coincide with World Pride, which raised concerns about increased security risks.

“We recognize there are risks associated with this as well,” said Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz. “Our goal is to make sure the space remains welcoming and secure for everyone exploring these stories.”

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Wednesday night that his department had been briefed and would investigate the incident, as officials in the Trump administration swiftly condemned the violence.

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced she had arrived in Washington DC with attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and was later photographed alongside Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter at the crime scene.