Chicago Man in Custody for Deadly Shooting Outside D.C. Museum

On Wednesday evening, May 21, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended and is facing multiple federal charges. According to police reports, 21 expended 9mm cartridge casings were found at the scene. Rodriguez's statement to authorities, "I did it for Palestine," indicates a possible motive. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that preliminary evidence suggests Rodriguez acted alone. However, federal and Chicago investigators are thoroughly combing through social media and physical evidence to ascertain the full extent of Rodriguez's actions and any potential connections to larger groups. The FBI director confirmed an overnight interview with Rodriguez around 1 a.m. While authorities believe there's no immediate threat to the public, the investigation into this act of terrorism is ongoing. Rodriguez's LinkedIn profile reveals previous employment with The HistoryMakers, a Chicago organization, adding another layer to the unfolding investigation. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation to prevent future acts of violence.