Neighbor of DC shooting suspect describes him as ‘normal, friendly guy’
Outside their Chicago apartment building, a neighbor of Elias Rodriguez spoke to reporters about the accused DC shooter, sharing that Rodriguez seemed “friendly” and “normal,” but that he was also “sensitive” regarding the situation in Gaza.
John Wayne Fry, who lived in a nearby unit for several years, recalled, “normal, friendly guy” and mentioned a “Hello Kitty” sign displayed on his door.
According to Fry, Rodriguez displayed an image in his window of a Palestinian child who had been stabbed to death.
“That gave me the impression that they were very, very sensitive people, especially about the issue of Palestine,” he stated.
Fry expressed “disappointment” regarding the alleged actions of Rodriguez in Washington, D.C.
“I wish that I had an opportunity to talk with him because if I had I would have talked him out of it,” Fry said, also noting that, in his view, conflicts are ended by voting rather than violence.
He added that a woman also lived with Rodriguez but was unsure of their relationship.
Netanyahu and Trump discuss ‘horrific murder’ of two Israeli embassy staff members in DC
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with President Donald Trump following the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
As detailed in a statement released Thursday by the prime minister’s office, “President Trump expressed deep sorrow over the horrific murder in Washington of two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, of blessed memory,” the statement read.
Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to Trump and his administration for their activities to combat antisemitism within the United States.
The statement noted that Trump discussed the ongoing war in Gaza, reaffirming his support for Netanyahu’s objectives to “secure the release of all hostages, to eliminate Hamas, and to advance the Trump Plan.”
Additionally, both leaders pledged to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Leavitt: Trump ‘outraged’ by killing of Israeli embassy staff in DC
President Donald Trump is reportedly “saddened and outraged” following the “brutal murder” of two Israeli embassy staff who were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, according to the White House.
During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt paid tribute to Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, describing them as a couple who were soon to become engaged.
“The evil of anti-Semitism must be eradicated from our society,” Leavitt said, further promising that the Justice Department would pursue charges against the suspect “to the fullest extent of the law.”
Officials reported that the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, is in custody.
Leavitt added, “Hatred has no place in the United States of America under President Donald Trump. Everyone here at the white House is praying for the victims, friends and families during this unimaginable time.”
FBI conducting Chicago search linked to DC shooting
The FBI confirmed on Thursday afternoon that a search was being conducted in Chicago that is linked to the fatal shooting in Washington, D.C.
FBI Washington Field Office stated that FBI Chicago was performing “court-authorized law enforcement activity” in relation to the incident.
Authorities previously stated that 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, the apprehended suspect, is a resident of Chicago.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said that Rodriguez was interviewed at about 1 a.m. following his arrest and that investigators are working to determine the authenticity of “certain writings” allegedly produced by Rodriguez.
No other details were provided regarding the ongoing investigation or the activities in Chicago, but Bongino mentioned more information would be shared as it became available.
Bongino: FBI reviewing ‘certain writings’ by alleged suspect
On Thursday, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said that the bureau is examining “certain writings” allegedly written by the suspect in the deadly attack that occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late on Wednesday.
Bongino indicated on X that he wanted to provide updates “in the interest of transparency,” but said information would be limited while authorities “aggressively” pursue charges against the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, who is in custody.
“The FBI is aware of certain writings allegedly authored by the suspect, and we hope to have updates as to the authenticity very soon,” Bongino posted.
Bongino confirmed Rodriguez was interviewed at approximately 1 a.m., but explained that further details would be provided once possible.
He reiterated that, based on current assessments, the FBI does not believe there is any ongoing danger to the public.
“Above all, please pray for the families of the victims,” Bongino wrote.
“This is something no parent, family member, or friend should have to go through. The FBI sends our condolences and will offer our full support as the investigation continues.”
The Embassy of Israel to the U.S. identified the deceased as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were to be engaged.
Capital Jewish Museum aims to reopen soon, statement says
In a statement released Thursday, Dr. Beatrice Gurwitz, executive director of the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night. She also said the museum was planning to resume operations in the near future.
“We are heartbroken by the murders of Yaron Lishinsky and Sarah Milgrim, and send our sincere condolences to their families and friends. May they, and all who grieve this devastating loss, be comforted by their communities,” the statement read.
“In an act of horrific antisemitic violence, a gunman attacked our beloved community. This tragedy is devastating. Such acts of terror attempt to instill fear, silence voices, and erase history—but we refuse to let them succeed,” the statement continued.
“We are working to re-open the museum in the coming days, with all necessary security in place, so we can return to telling the story of Jewish Washington for thousands of visitors from around the world.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry lowers flags to half-staff for victims
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on social media that flags at the ministry in Jerusalem and missions worldwide have been lowered to half-staff to honor the two embassy staffers killed on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
“Following the horrific terror attack in Washington, D.C., in which our colleagues Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were murdered, Israeli flags at the Foreign Ministry and at missions around the world have been lowered to half-mast in mourning,” the official X post stated.
The post added, “We are heartbroken. May Yaron and Sarah’s memory be a blessing,” and included a candle emoji.
FBI’s Bongino calls the DC shooting an ‘act of terror’
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino described the attack as an “act of terror” in a post Thursday morning on X.
“Last night’s act of terror has the full attention of your FBI. Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards. And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads. I should have additional updates for you shortly as I head back to FBI HQ,” Bongino wrote in the tweet.
