The Associated Press reported: "The man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington as they left an event at a Jewish museum told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” federal authorities said Thursday in announcing criminal charges.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, shouted “Free Palestine” as he was led away after his arrest and told police that he was the one who “did it,” according to charging documents that provided chilling new details of a Wednesday night attack that killed an American woman and Israeli man who were set to become engaged.
Authorities described the slayings as a targeted act of terror."
Others on X claim that Rodriguez may have been hired by Israeli intelligence in order to create a false flag and continue to stoke race wars.
Per Google, "a "false flag" refers to an act or event staged by one party to appear as if it was perpetrated by another, with the goal of deceiving or blaming the other party. This deception can be used for various purposes, including starting a conflict or manipulating public opinion."
In a late night post to Truth Social, President Trump wrote: "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!"
Trump continued, "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!"
Rodriguez faces charges of murder of foreign officials and other crimes. However, additional charges are likely to come, according to prosecutors.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Judge and former Fox News Host Jeanine Pirro said, "Violence against anyone, based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero. Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital."
Eric Tucker, Michael Kunzelman, and Alanna Durkin Richer of The Associated Press summed up the details:
"Court documents made public on Thursday say the shooting was captured on surveillance footage outside the museum, which authorities say showed Rodriguez firing at the victims several more times after they fell to the ground."
According to court documents, Rodriguez told detectives that "he admired the man who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in February 2024 and described the man as "courageous" and a "martyr."
Rodriguez reportedly bought tickets to the event museum three hours prior to its opening.
The two victims, Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were scheduled to be engaged. Lischinsky had purchased the engagement ring this week and was supposed propose next week in Jerusalem, Israel.
Users on X who are raising skepticism about the motives behind the attack are convinced that the murders were made in an attempt to create heightened tensions between Israel, the United States, and other nations.
Israel has since increased their security and lower their flags to half-staff.
The senseless killings occured as Israel launched another strike on the Gaza Strip.
This is a developing story.
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05.22.2025