Suspect in Israeli Embassy Murder Tied to Organization Declaring October 7 Attack 'Legitimate'
DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez allegedly associated with group endorsing Oct. 7 terrorist attack in Israel.
Authorities in Washington, D.C., are investigating the circumstances surrounding last Wednesday night’s fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, faces multiple felony charges including two counts of first-degree murder and the murder of foreign officials. Federal prosecutors are also considering whether to pursue the death penalty in this high-profile case.
Rodriguez allegedly traveled from his home in Chicago, Illinois, to the nation’s capital to carry out the attack. The shooting took place during an American Jewish Committee event that was hosting Jewish professionals and diplomats. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, both worked for the Israeli Embassy and were reportedly engaged to be married. Their deaths have shaken both the local community and diplomatic circles.
Investigations into Rodriguez’s background have uncovered past connections to the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a political group known for its leftist and anti-capitalist stance. The PSL confirmed via social media that Rodriguez had a "brief" affiliation with the organization, but stated that their association ended in 2017 and that they had no contact with him in the years since. “We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting,” the group emphasized, adding, “We have nothing to do with this shooting and do not support it.”
The PSL, which describes itself as advocating for the socialist transformation of society, has drawn controversy for its statements regarding recent international conflicts. In the immediate aftermath of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks in Israel, the organization posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “resistance is not a crime” and called the attack a “morally and legally legitimate response to occupation.” The group has consistently maintained that so-called resistance to occupation should not be equated with terrorism.
According to reports by the Anti-Defamation League, PSL-affiliated rallies following the October 7 events included speakers who openly praised Hamas and justified the attacks as legitimate acts of armed resistance. During one protest in Florida, participants asserted: “the only recourse the Palestinians have left… is armed resistance, and again, that is their right under international law.” At another rally in California, a speaker hailed the actions of Hamas as “taking control” amidst resistance.
The PSL's rhetoric has stirred strong reactions from pro-Israel organizations. StandWithUs, an Israel education group, has called for an investigation into the PSL’s activities, claiming, “PSL celebrated the atrocities on October 7 as ‘courageous’ and ‘bold.’ They held a rally where a speaker mocked the Nova Festival massacre.” The organization insists that despite attempts to distance itself from the D.C. killings, the PSL warrants close scrutiny from authorities.
Commenting on the case, former homicide detective Ted Williams described the tragedy as a “wake-up call” for law enforcement, urging greater efforts to monitor and counter antisemitic groups and individuals who may pose a threat to public safety. “There’s not a lot of law enforcement officers to go around, unfortunately, to take on these assignments to infiltrate these groups and to try to weed out individuals like Rodriguez,” Williams noted.
The Department of Justice continues to review the case as community leaders call for increased vigilance and unity in the wake of the deadly attack. The Party for Socialism and Liberation has yet to provide additional comment on the matter.
