Details Emerge About Suspected Terrorist Linked to Radical Left-Wing Groups
A man suspected of killing two Israeli embassy staff has connections to radical left-wing organizations that actively endorse the Palestinian cause. Elias Rodriguez, 31, reportedly admitted to shooting a couple outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday. Witnesses claim he was chanting “free Palestine” during the incident.
As investigations unfold, more information is surfacing about the motivations behind this violent act, which many are linking to a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic sentiments.
Rodriguez is believed to have past affiliations with socialist movements, specifically a group known for its strong anti-Israel rhetoric on social media. Just hours before the shooting, the group posted messages such as “End the genocide. Israel is now out of Gaza.”
Following the shooting, the group confirmed his previous connection but distanced itself from the violence, emphasizing that Rodriguez was not currently a member.
“We reject any attempts to tie the PSL to the D.C. shooting. Elias Rodriguez hasn’t been involved with us since 2017,” a spokesperson for the group stated on social media. They noted that he had no recent contact with them and that they do not support his actions.
Interestingly, reports suggest Rodriguez participated in a protest outside the home of former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel back in 2017, hinting at a history of activism.
Meanwhile, both the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are interviewing Rodriguez as they work to understand his background and motives further.
Witnesses described Rodriguez as appearing distressed outside the museum shortly after the shots were fired. Some offered assistance without realizing he was the shooter, providing him water, thinking he was in need of help.
When police arrived on the scene, he allegedly brandished a red kaffiyeh and continued to shout “Free Palestine.” Video evidence shows a man wearing a suit jacket being restrained, clearly in a chaotic state.
