After killings, suspected gunman sat with guests at D.C. Jewish museum

National News
The tragic incident of violence that resulted in the deaths of a young couple has caught the attention of authorities and has sent shockwaves across the nation and beyond. As the investigation unfolds, details about the man accused of the crime are coming to light.
A bystander wearing an Israel flag with a cross in the middle prays near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Tom Brenner / The Washington Post

By Kim Bellware, Katie Shepherd, Brittany Shammas, Aaron C. Davis, Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post
Last updated on May 23, 2025
Reading time: 6 minutes

Immediately after gunshots were heard outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington on Wednesday night, a man in a blue suit rushed into the building in a state of distress.
Paige Siegel, a 30-year-old lawyer and Israel supporter attending a networking event at the facility, observed security letting him in along with others. She approached him, offering assistance, as he seemed distraught and mentioned calling the police. She initially dismissed any suspicions about him being involved in the violence. However, moments later, he confessed to the act, shouting, “I did it for Gaza” and “Free Palestine.”
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and murder of foreign officials. He had a background in activism and expressed strong views about the conflict in Gaza. Investigators are examining a message posted on social media that aligns with his beliefs.
Rodriguez, who has no prior criminal record, was affiliated with leftist groups and had worked for an information association. Authorities are scrutinizing his online presence to understand his motives further.
As FBI agents investigate Rodriguez’s background, neighbors express shock at the news of his involvement in the tragic incident. Rodriguez’s ties to activist groups and his strong convictions about social issues are being closely examined to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
The community is left grappling with the question of what could drive an individual to commit such a violent act, especially someone who appeared to be a normal and friendly neighbor. As the investigation continues, more details about Rodriguez and his motivations are expected to emerge.
The incident has not only left a community in mourning but has also raised broader questions about the factors that could have influenced Rodriguez’s actions.