Chicago Man Charged with Murder in Washington D.C. Double Homicide

**Chicago Man Charged in Deadly D.C. Shooting: A Hate Crime and Act of Terrorism?** On May 21, 2025, a horrific act of violence shocked Washington, D.C., when Elias Rodriguez, a 21-year-old from Chicago, Illinois, fatally shot two Israeli embassy staff members outside the D.C. Jewish Museum. Rodriguez was quickly apprehended and is now facing federal murder charges. The incident is being investigated as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism. The ABC7 I-Team's investigation reveals that Rodriguez's online activity in the months leading up to the shooting contained increasingly violent rhetoric related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to a criminal complaint, Rodriguez told D.C. police, "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza." This statement, along with the discovery of 21 expended 9mm cartridge casings at the scene, paints a disturbing picture of the suspect's motives. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated that the investigation is ongoing and that they will continue to pursue the case as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism. ABC7 Police Affairs consultant Bill Kushner added, "This guy wanted to be caught." This suggests a premeditated act with a political motive. The FBI is also investigating Rodriguez's background, including his employment at the American Osteopathic Association in Chicago and The HistoryMakers, another Chicago organization. The investigation aims to determine whether Rodriguez acted alone or if he was part of a larger group. Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked hatred and extremism. The investigation is ongoing, and the full extent of the circumstances surrounding this crime will continue to unfold.