Chicago — A man accused of killing two Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C., has been living in a modest apartment with a companion who has since disappeared, raising questions about his state of mind leading up to the violent incident. Elias Rodriguez, 31, reportedly resided with a woman named Oliver in Chicago’s Albany Park, an area known for its strong support of the Palestinian cause.
Neighbors described Rodriguez as a quiet individual who kept to himself. One resident, John Fry, noted that the last time he saw the woman was weeks prior to the shooting. He mentioned the couple generally did not engage much with others in the apartment building. “They were a really quiet couple,” Fry said, emphasizing the restrained nature of their interactions with neighbors.
Rodriguez allegedly opened fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum on a Wednesday night, reportedly shouting “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody. He is accused of using a pistol to fire multiple rounds, killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were engaged to be married. In the aftermath, the FBI conducted searches of the couple’s residence but appeared to show little interest in the whereabouts of Rodriguez’s companion.
Fry described the neighborhood as heavily supportive of Palestine following recent events that escalated tensions in the region. Despite sharing sentiments for the Palestinian cause, he condemned Rodriguez’s actions, stating, “What he did was so wrong.” Fry expressed regret, suggesting that if he had recognized the potential for violence, he might have intervened. “He just lost hope over the death and destruction,” he said.
As authorities continue to investigate, details about Rodriguez’s family background have also surfaced. His father, Eric Rodriguez, is a disabled veteran who has openly criticized government actions affecting veterans. He previously attended a congressional address as a special guest of Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, where he spoke out about various social issues. The congressman later condemned the shooting as an “horrible senseless act of antisemitism.”
Elias Rodriguez graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago and was reportedly engaged in various forms of left-wing activism, including participation in anti-capitalist demonstrations. He donated $500 to President Joe Biden’s campaign during the 2020 election cycle, illustrating his political leanings.
After the attack, former President Donald Trump issued a statement denouncing the violence and its antisemitic motives, calling for an end to hatred and radicalism in the country. Community leaders and officials have since expressed their sorrow over the victims’ deaths, emphasizing the need for healing and understanding in the wake of such tragic events.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the implications of the incident. Residents are left questioning how someone they believed to be amiable could resort to such violence, prompting deeper discussions about mental health, radicalization, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.