Incident Outside D.C. Jewish Museum
In Washington, moments of chaos erupted outside the Capital Jewish Museum as gunfire rang out. Initially, bystanders rushed to assist a man they believed to be a trauma victim, later discovering he was actually the shooter.
30-year-old Elias Rodriguez showed signs of distress and confusion upon entering the museum after filming on Wednesday night. He had reportedly shot two young Israeli diplomats, 28-year-old Jaron Lisinski and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim, near a crosswalk outside the American Jewish Commission.
Yoni Karin, a witness, recalled Rodriguez’s state, saying, “He was in shock and wet. I thought he was a bystander.” Another witness, Sarah Marinuzzi, noted Rodriguez’s upset demeanor, leading her to believe he was also a victim. He mingled with other evacuees for about 10 to 15 minutes, still under the impression he was a survivor.
Instinct drove witnesses to help, as Marinuzzi explained, “When a man is struggling and running, the immediate instinct is to help.” Karin added that Rodriguez seemed to calm down until law enforcement arrived. At that point, he allegedly confessed, stating, “I did this. I did this for Gaza,” and exclaimed, “Free free Palestine. From the river to the sea, and there’s only one solution.”
Panic ensued when Rodriguez reached for his backpack. Instead of a weapon, he produced a red keffiyeh scarf. Museum staff engaged him until police arrived to make an arrest.
Mr. Lisinski and Ms. Milgrim were approaching a crosswalk when they were shot. Security footage revealed Rodriguez walking past them before opening fire, ultimately emptying 21 rounds from his 9mm handgun.
Rodriguez, who had traveled from Chicago to D.C. the day prior, checked a legally purchased firearm for his work trip. Mr. Lisinski was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:14 PM, while Ms. Milgrim succumbed to her injuries shortly after reaching the hospital.
Rodriguez now faces multiple charges, including murder, and is said to have admired Aaron Bushnell, a former U.S. serviceman who protested outside the Israeli embassy last year, shouting “Free Palestine.” Rodriguez referred to him as a “martist.”
