Murder charges have been filed against a man accused of shooting dead two Israeli embassy staff members leaving the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
Elias Rodriguez, 30, has been charged with murder of foreign officials, two counts of first-degree murder, causing the death of a person through using a firearm, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, authorities announced on Thursday afternoon.
Rodriguez allegedly approached Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim and opened fire on them as they left an event supporting Gazans early Thursday, after being seen pacing in front of the museum.
He reportedly said ‘Free, free Palestine’, as he was arrested.
Who is the Capital Jewish Museum shooter?
The accused Capital Jewish Museum shooter, Rodriguez, was working as an administration specialist at the American Osteopathic Information Association in Chicago, according to his LinkedIn page.
The association and its president, Teresa Hubka, stated: ‘We were shocked and saddened to learn that an AOIA employee has been arrested as a suspect in this horrific crime.
‘Both the AOIA and AOA stand ready to cooperate with the investigation in any way we can. As a physician organization dedicated to protecting the health and sanctity of human life, we believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence.’
Prior to that, Rodriguez worked as a production and logistics coordinator and an oral history researcher for History Makers, a national nonprofit based in Chicago that works to preserve the untold stories of African Americans.
Rodriguez also worked as a senior content associate and training coordinator at Coupon Cabin for three years.
What groups is Elias Rodriguez linked to?
Rodriguez is linked to the far-left group Party for Socialism and Liberation. However, the group wrote on social media that his association with them ended in 2017.
He reportedly attended at least one Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago, while Rahm Emanuel was mayor.
Got a story? Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@usnewsrank.com. Or you can submit your videos and pictures here.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Follow usnewsrank.com on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news updates. You can now also get usnewsrank.com articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.
Discover more from USNewsRank
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.