Authorities are looking into the case of a suspected terrorist who has been arrested for shooting and killing two staff members at the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
According to police, Elias Rodriguez, 31, reportedly shouted “free, free Palestine” just before admitting to the shooting of a couple outside the capital’s Jewish Museum late on Wednesday.
As investigators delve into the motives behind this shocking act of anti-Semitic violence, they are examining a 900-word manifesto linked to Rodriguez that began circulating online shortly after his arrest, sources indicate.
In addition to assessing the manifesto’s credibility, authorities are also analyzing Rodriguez’s electronic devices, trying to determine if he had destroyed any evidence.
Interestingly, a day prior to the shooting, a writing dated May 20 seemed to imply that the act was intended as a political protest connected to the ongoing war in Gaza.
The document claimed, “Armed actions are not necessarily military actions. Often, they are just displays, sharing traits with many unarmed protests.”
Moreover, it suggested that “our people against genocide” had lost their “humanity.” It went on to describe the perpetrators of violence as often being seemingly normal individuals—loving parents, generous friends—who act in inhumane ways.
The author reflected on how the actions taking place in past conflicts would have seemed justified to him, especially after witnessing the brutality in Palestine. He acknowledged that such views might appear radical to many Americans, yet expressed satisfaction that there are still people willing to do what he considers sensible.
He ended the document by expressing love for his family and asserting “free Palestine.”
This manifesto came to light while Rodriguez was being interrogated by the Metropolitan Police and the FBI on Thursday.
Rodriguez, a Chicago native, is accused of firing upon the couple, identified as Jaron Rysinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Witnesses reported seeing him outside the museum before the shooting, with Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith stating that Rodriguez led officers to the location where he disposed of the gun, which suggested his involvement in the crime.
Witness Katie Kalisher recounted how she heard the shot and found Rodriguez looking intimidating inside the museum. Initially, she thought he was a victim when he attempted to help another person.
Kalisher described him saying, “I did it. I did it for Gaza, free, free Palestine,” before police arrived to arrest him.
