Distressed Man Turned Killer: Witnesses Helped Shooter of Israeli Diplomats

May 23, 2025 Komal Das

Two Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were fatally shot outside a diplomatic event in Washington, DC

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Elias Rodriguez, 30, appeared distressed and entered the nearby Capital Jewish Museum, where witnesses thought he was a traumatised bystander

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Witnesses offered help, unaware Rodriguez had just fired 21 rounds at the diplomats, killing them near a crosswalk

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Rodriguez confessed to police, shouting pro-Palestinian slogans and waving a red keffiyeh scarf before being tackled by security

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Security footage showed him targeting the diplomats with a legally purchased 9mm handgun, which he brought from Chicago

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Rodriguez claimed inspiration from Aaron Bushnell, a protester who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy

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The diplomats, romantic partners and embassy colleagues, were pronounced dead shortly after the attack

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Rodriguez now faces murder charges, with authorities investigating his extremist motives

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