Washington, D.C. shooting: Alleged Israeli embassy staff shooter Elias Rodriguez flew from Chicago, checked gun, court docs say
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The individual accused of a targeted antisemitic fatal attack in the U.S. capital allegedly transported the murder weapon on a flight from O’Hare airport on Wednesday, according to court documents.

Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago flew from O’Hare to Reagan National in Virginia.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

He declared his firearm in checked baggage on the Wednesday flight.

He also bought a ticket three hours before it started to the Washington, D.C. event the couple he allegedly killed attended, according to the FBI.

“In terms of flying with a firearm legally, I must emphasize it was carried out lawfully as he declared it as checked baggage,” mentioned ABC7 Chicago law enforcement specialist Bill Kushner. “Such scenarios are a major concern for law enforcement. These lone wolf terrorists operate below the radar, don’t exhibit any obvious signs publicly, have no criminal history, and are the ones that pose the greatest threat.”

Rodriguez was taken into federal custody on Friday, charged with the murder of two employees from the Israeli embassy in Washington.

Yaron Lischinski and his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, were both killed.

The two were planning to get engaged on an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

Authorities say the couple were leaving the capital Jewish museum when Rodriguez approached a group and opened fire.

The gunman reportedly shot the couple from behind, continuing to fire even after they collapsed.

Moments later, police say Rodriguez went into the museum. Witnesses say he tried to blend in with other victims.

“I was worried for him, thinking, you know, he might have experienced something,” witness Yoni Kalin said.

“I was trying to comfort him, and my friend offers him some water. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a keffiyeh, and says, ‘I did it. I did this for Gaza. Free Palestine,'” witness Katie Kalisher said.

Lischinski’s coffin arrived in Israel Friday.

And Jewish leaders in Chicago spoke out again Friday to denounce the shooting.

Rodriguez faces a list of federal charges, including the murder of foreign officials

He did not enter plea during his first court appearance Thursday.

His next court appearance is June 18.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Source of 'UFO' panic, drone mystery claims responsibility for frenzy: report

Mystery Solved: Drone Operator Admits Responsibility for Recent UFO Panic

A private aerial contractor has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the…
Florida AG Uthmeier subpoenas Roblox over child safety

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier Subpoenas Roblox to Investigate Child Safety Concerns

“We are unwavering in our mission to safeguard Florida’s children, and any…
Federal Court Upholds School Ban on "Let's Go Brandon" Shirts

Federal Court Ruling Supports School’s Ban on Controversial ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Apparel

A federal appellate court has upheld a ban on “Let’s Go Brandon”…
Louvre jewel heist: Manhunt underway for 4 suspects after 'priceless' jewelry at Louvre in Paris stolen

International Manhunt Launched as Priceless Jewelry Stolen from Louvre in Daring Heist

Early Sunday morning, alarm bells rang out at the Louvre Museum as…
'Tragedy averted' at Atlanta Airport as police arrest man with AR-15 allegedly threatening to 'shoot it up'

Swift Police Action Foils Potential AR-15 Attack at Atlanta Airport: Tragedy Averted

A Georgia man was apprehended on Monday morning at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International…
Georgia man arrested for allegedly shooting at North Carolina home after tearing down Trump banner

Georgia Resident Arrested for Alleged Gunfire at North Carolina Home Following Trump Banner Removal

Authorities have apprehended a Georgia man accused of tearing down a Trump…
Hamas transfers coffin of dead hostage to Israel, IDF confirms

Hamas Returns Deceased Hostage’s Coffin to Israel, Confirms IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday that a coffin containing…
Suspect in 2021 restaurant murder acquitted

2021 Restaurant Murder Case: Suspect Walks Free After Acquittal

Jacksonville authorities arrived at the scene of a shooting at the Hyatt…
Hong Kong cargo plane skids off runway, killing two

Tragic Hong Kong Runway Accident: Cargo Plane Skid Claims Two Lives

In a tragic turn of events at Hong Kong International Airport, two…
Marcia Carty granted period to improve skills amid complaints

Marcia Carty Given Opportunity to Enhance Skills Following Public Concerns

Marcia Carty’s employment agreement stipulates a 30-day period for her to address…
Crypto Scam warning: North Carolina man's account drained of $80,00 after he clicked on a link for a virtual meeting

Beware: North Carolina Resident Loses $80,000 to Crypto Scam After Clicking Virtual Meeting Link

Kenneth Nicholson, a Durham, North Carolina native, is deeply immersed in the…
US man arrested in Scotland and convicted of Utah rape gets at least 5 years in prison

Utah Rape Convict, Caught in Scotland, Receives Minimum 5-Year Sentence

In Salt Lake City, a Utah judge delivered a sentence on Monday…