Leaked chats of Jewish DC museum ‘killer’ reveal disturbing obsession

Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of shooting a young Jewish diplomatic couple dead outside a museum in DC , was obsessed with white people and white genocide, according to leaked messages he sent

| Published May 29, 2025

A tragic shooting occurred outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene and faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

Incident Overview

The victims, Lischinsky (30) and Milgrim (26), were attending a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee. As they exited the museum around 9:08 p.m., Rodriguez allegedly opened fire with a 9mm semi-automatic handgun, discharging 21 rounds. Surveillance footage indicates that after initially shooting the couple, Rodriguez reloaded and continued firing as they attempted to escape.

His friends said Rodriguez did not hate Jewish people, but did have a strong hatred for Israel. (Pictured: People gather at a memorial for the late couple)

Suspect’s Background and Motive

Rodriguez, an English graduate employed in administrative support, had affiliations with various progressive and pro-Palestinian activist groups. Upon arrest, he reportedly declared, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and chanted “Free Palestine.” Investigators discovered a manifesto titled “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home,” allegedly authored by Rodriguez, which condemns Israeli actions in Gaza and calls for direct action.

Leaked chats

Leaked chats linked to Elias Rodriguez, the suspect in the deadly shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., reveal a disturbing pattern of radicalization and violent obsession. In the messages, Rodriguez allegedly expressed deep hatred toward Israel, glorified political violence, and hinted at plans to “bring the war home” in retaliation for events in Gaza. These revelations, combined with a manifesto found by investigators, paint a picture of a man consumed by extremist ideology, reinforcing concerns about the growing threat of homegrown terrorism fueled by online echo chambers.

Friends of his also revealed exactly what Rodriguez beliefs are, as one of them said: ‘He never, ever said anything remotely racist about Jews or anyone.’ 

Despite that, his friends did say he had a strong hatred for Israel.

‘He was a big proponent of “the emerging resistance axis” of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah, Assad’s Syria,’ one went on.

‘He seemed pretty vocally in favor of Hamas for years — way before 2023. He’d always hated Israel and would call it “The Little Satan”,’ they added.

In other messages to his peers, Rodriguez professed his sadness over the murders of two prominent Hamas leaders – Hassan Nasrallah and Yahya Sinwar.

‘Honestly i’m still just feeling sad about the murder of hassan nasrallah,’ Rodriguez wrote.

‘It hurts when people are killed specifically for doing what’s right, when so many are afraid to…’ 

After the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video of the killing of Sinwar – the former chairman of the Hamas Political Bureau – he told the chat: ‘100% him sadly.’

During his arrest, Rodriguez also expressed praise for Aaron Bushnell, the US airman who set himself on fire outside the Israel Embassy – where Lischinsky and Milgrime worked.

‘Just now saw the unblurred video and lost it,’ Rodriguez told the group in reference to the horrific video of Bushnell setting himself ablaze.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The FBI and D.C. Metropolitan Police are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism and hate crime. Rodriguez legally purchased the firearm in Illinois in 2020 and transported it to D.C. in his checked luggage. He bought a ticket to the event shortly before the attack. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2025.

Community and International Response

The attack has elicited widespread condemnation from U.S. and Israeli officials, who have labeled it an antisemitic act of terrorism. Jewish communities express heightened concern over rising antisemitic violence, attributing the attack to escalating radical rhetoric amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The implications of the Elias Rodriguez D.C. Jewish museum shooting are wide-ranging and serious, spanning security, political, social, and legal spheres:

1. Domestic Terrorism and Radicalization

• Increased scrutiny of homegrown extremism: Rodriguez’s alleged motivation—support for Gaza and anti-Israel sentiment—spotlights the risk of domestic actors adopting violent tactics rooted in global conflicts.

• Online radicalization: If his manifesto and leaked chats are verified, this case may reinforce concerns about how digital communities facilitate extremist ideologies.

2. Rising Antisemitism

• Hate crime concerns: The attack is being investigated as a hate crime and an act of terrorism, highlighting the continued rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S.

• Jewish community security: Jewish institutions may increase physical security and push for stronger legal protections and hate crime enforcement.

3. Geopolitical Fallout

• U.S.–Israel relations: The killing of Israeli nationals on U.S. soil could prompt diplomatic consequences and pressure on U.S. authorities to act decisively.

• Pro-Palestinian activism: The act may cause a chilling effect or increase polarization—moderate voices could be drowned out by accusations of association with extremism.

4. Gun Control and Airport Security

• Legal firearm transport issues: Rodriguez transported his weapon via checked luggage, raising questions about existing firearm transport laws.

• Policy review potential: Lawmakers may revisit security loopholes around firearms and politically motivated violence.

5. Legal and Judicial Precedents

• Terrorism charges for ideological acts: This case may set or reinforce precedent on how ideologically motivated domestic attacks are prosecuted in the post-9/11 era.

• Manifestos as legal evidence: Courts may face questions about the role of digital manifestos and online activity in proving intent and premeditation.

Overall Takeaway:

Leaked chats linked to Elias Rodriguez, the suspect in the deadly shooting outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., reveal a disturbing pattern of radicalization and violent obsession. In the messages, Rodriguez allegedly expressed deep hatred toward Israel, glorified political violence, and hinted at plans to “bring the war home” in retaliation for events in Gaza. These revelations, combined with a manifesto found by investigators, paint a picture of a man consumed by extremist ideology, reinforcing concerns about the growing threat of homegrown terrorism fueled by online echo chambers.

SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Leaked chats of Jewish DC museum ‘killer’ reveal disturbing obsession

THE NEW YORK POST – How left-wing Chicago social justice warrior Elias Rodriguez allegedly became homegrown anti-Israel terrorist

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL – Who Is Elias Rodriguez? A Portrait of Jewish Museum Shooting Suspect Emerges

AP NEWS – Court papers say suspect in embassy killings declared, ‘I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza’

REUTERS – Suspect charged with murder in fatal DC shooting of two Israel embassy aides