Two staff members from the Israeli embassy vacated the venue at the Washington, D.C. Jewish Museum amid an incident involving the alleged gunman, Palestinian Marxist Elias Rodriguez. After his apprehension, he reportedly shouted, “Free, Free Palestine!”
Congressman Jessus “Chui” Garcia from Illinois was among several individuals to criticize Israel’s Foreign Office, describing the situation as a “Brutal Terrorist Attack.” He expressed his sadness and emphasized that the loss of life is deeply regrettable, asserting that justice cannot be achieved through violence.
An article in the New York Post pointed out a peculiar connection between Garcia and the suspected shooter, Eric Rodriguez, who is the father of the accused.
Garcia had previously announced that Eric Rodriguez was a guest during President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Eric is known for representing various groups, including veterans and service employees.
“We don’t know his family,” a spokesperson said, clarifying that while Eric Rodriguez attended the speech, there was no personal connection to the suspect.
Garcia further praised Eric, mentioning his dedication to the community and veterans, and highlighted that his presence at the presidential address made a significant statement regarding their treatment.
Interestingly, Garcia and Rodriguez share some overlapping political stances concerning Israeli and Palestinian issues. The lawmaker has earned a B Score from Americans for Justice in Palestinian Action due to his actions. For instance, he voted for a bill imposing sanctions on organizations like Hamas and has been critical of certain educational institutions’ relationships with such groups.
- He supported a 2023 bill that sanctions groups linked to Islamic terrorism.
- He opposed a resolution that could foster a hostile environment for Jews in education.
- He refrained from denouncing Congressman Rashida Tlaib’s controversial slogans against Israel.
- He criticized military aid to Israel.
- He has sought Palestinian speakers at Democratic events.
According to the FBI, Rodriguez’s actions led to the tragic deaths of Yaron Lisinski and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. After his arrest, he was heard shouting, “Free Palestine!”
The FBI is aware of specific writings allegedly connected to the suspect. Blaze News reported that Rodriguez, who graduated from the University of Illinois and previously supported Joe Biden’s 2020 campaign, has a history of anti-white remarks and affiliation with pro-Palestinian socialist groups.
Before the shooting, it is said that Rodriguez published a manifesto titled “Escalations in Gaza, bringing the war home,” which criticized Israeli actions as “genocidal.”
As of Thursday, Rodriguez faced multiple charges, including first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in a violent crime. If found guilty, he could potentially face the death penalty, as highlighted by Magistrate Judge Matthew Charbeau.
