Who Is Elias Rodriguez? The Man Behind the DC Jewish Museum Shooting

The shocking shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, has stunned the nation. Two Israeli embassy staff members lost their lives late Wednesday night. The suspect? A 30-year-old man named Elias Rodriguez from Chicago.

He was taken into custody shortly after the attack. Witnesses say he chanted “Free Palestine” both during and after the shooting. As investigators work through the tragedy, more details are emerging about who Elias Rodriguez is and what might have led to the violence.

A History of Activism

Elias Rodriguez isn’t someone with a criminal past. In fact, police said he had no record before this. But he was known in activist circles.

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Rodriguez had been involved in several protest movements in Chicago. He was part of the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL). He also joined Black Lives Matter events over the years.

One of the major protests he took part in was in 2017. That rally was held outside former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s house. Groups like the People’s Congress of Resistance, ANSWER Chicago, and BLM Women of Faith were involved.

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Rodriguez spoke out during that protest. He tied together the killing of Laquan McDonald and the city’s economic decisions, like bidding for Amazon’s new headquarters. He saw both as part of deeper injustice—racism, inequality, and oppression.

The DC Attack

Everything changed on May 21. Witnesses saw Rodriguez pacing outside the Capital Jewish Museum before the attack. Around 9 PM, he approached a group of four people as they left a Jewish cultural event. Then he opened fire.

Two Israeli embassy workers, a man and a woman, were killed at close range. The victims were believed to be a couple.

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After the shooting, Rodriguez walked into the museum. He pretended to be a victim. He asked people to call the police. But when law enforcement arrived, he confessed immediately. He raised his hands, told them “I did this,” and said he was unarmed.

Then, as they detained him, Rodriguez pulled out a red keffiyeh. He chanted “Free Palestine” over and over, even as police dragged him out. Later, he helped them find the weapon he had thrown away.

A Moment That Shook Many

This shooting has left people heartbroken and confused. For some, it’s a terrifying reminder of how global tensions can turn deadly, even far from conflict zones.

For others, it brings up painful questions about where activism ends and violence begins.

Rodriguez had a voice in social justice circles. He had opinions, passion, and a drive to speak up. But now, all that is overshadowed by bloodshed.

The Israeli embassy confirmed the loss and described the victims as devoted staffers. Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson, said they were killed while attending a cultural event.

Their deaths are now part of a bigger story. A story about conflict, identity, and the lines that should never be crossed.

As the investigation continues, one thing is clear. This was a tragic day. For the victims. For their families. And for a world already full of tension.