Chicago resident Elias Rodriguez is charged with murder in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim on a sidewalk not far from the White House on Wednesday night. The two Israeli Embassy employees had been attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
The 31-year-old suspect's father, Eric Rodriguez, was in the city in early March. Mediaite reported that Eric Rodriguez was at the Capitol building. He was there as a guest of Rep. Jesus "Chuy" García, D-Ill., to attend a speech by President Donald Trump to Congress.
Garcia posted a video of Eric Rodriguez speaking to a small group and saying he felt America was under attack by President Donald Trump. Garcia was openly critical of the administration's budget-cutting moves.
Shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" as security officers moved him into a building and off the sidewalk near where the attack occurred. He faces a possible death sentence based on initial charges. Other criminal charges are under review, including terrorism and hate crimes.
The two victims were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Friends described them as open and friendly and said they were promoting peace and working to overcome religious and cultural divisions.
Jim Mishler ✉
Jim Mishler, a seasoned reporter, anchor and news director, has decades of experience covering crime, politics and environmental issues.