Witnesses Describe the Incident at the Washington Jewish Museum and the Arrest of Suspect Elias Rodriguez
Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher, witnesses at the scene, recounted being inside the Jewish Museum in Washington when they heard gunshots outside. A man then entered the museum, appearing visibly distressed.
Kalin explained that bystanders initially approached him, offering water and assistance, unaware that he was the suspect involved in the shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy employees.
According to Kalin, when police arrived, the suspect—later identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago—pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly shouted, “Free Palestine.”
Kalin expressed his shock, saying, “This activity was about humanitarian aid. How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring Muslims, Jews, and Christians together to work for peace and aid innocent lives? And then, here he is, killing two people in cold blood.”
Last week, the Jewish Museum of Washington received a $500,000 grant aimed at enhancing its security measures. The museum’s leadership expressed concern due to its identity as a Jewish organization and the presence of a new LGBTQ exhibit.
“We recognize that there are threats associated with this,” said executive director Beatrice Gurwitz. “Our goal is to ensure that our space remains welcoming and safe for everyone, as we continue to explore and share these important stories.”
Social media has circulated amateur footage purportedly showing the moment police apprehend the gunman responsible for the attack. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was taken into custody following the incident.
NEW: This is allegedly the video of the suspect Elias Rodriguez in the fatal shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC tonight being arrested. He yells, “Free, free Palestine,” while being detained by security.
You can see the keffiyeh on the floor
H/T @yuvaldavid https://t.co/va8EN38GQs pic.twitter.com/8rp4xXq9hf
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) May 22, 2025
