Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) came under intense criticism beginning Thursday after a video emerged showing her walking away from reporters who questioned her about Wednesday night’s fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. In the footage, Omar declines to comment, stating, “I’m going to go for now,” before leaving. Her apparent refusal to condemn what many are describing as an act of terrorism sparked backlash on social media and from political figures who viewed her response as evasive and dismissive.
Eventually, Omar issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), expressing that she was “appalled” by the shooting and offered prayers for the victims and their families. Despite this, critics argued that her initial reluctance to address the incident publicly was insufficient, especially given her past controversial statements regarding Israel.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were Israeli embassy staff members attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were fatally shot. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, was apprehended at the scene and reportedly chanted “Free, Free Palestine” during his arrest.
The incident occurred on May 21 during an event focused on humanitarian aid for Gaza. Rodriguez allegedly fired at least 21 shots using a 9mm pistol, reloading and continuing to fire as his victims tried to escape. He was arrested at the scene.
Rodriguez faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. (RELATED: The True Meaning Behind ‘Globalize The Intifada’)
The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Steven J. Jensen, and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith.
“This brutal, anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country or anywhere in civilization,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to a Justice Department press release. “We will follow the facts and pursue the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together.”
“Our community is reeling. Because of one person’s actions, two families are left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized,” U.S. Attorney Pirro added. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable. Senseless acts that take innocent lives are intolerable. We will hold accountable anyone who inflicts harm on our families, our neighbors, the citizens of our nation, or the visitors to our great capital city. We are united in that purpose, and we hold strong against those whose reckless actions claim as victim any part of our community.”
“This Civil Rights Division is aggressively pursuing every avenue to investigate this crime,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon.” Let me be clear: hateful violence against Jewish Americans will be met with the full force of the Justice Department. We are expanding enforcement, increasing our outreach, and holding perpetrators accountable wherever they act.”
“Make no mistake: This attack was targeted, antisemitic violence,” said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen. “The FBI will continue to pursue all leads and use all available resources to investigate this heinous murder.”
“We continue to work closely with our federal partners and want to assure our community that the safety of all residents and visitors remains our top priority,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “Out of an abundance of caution we are increasing our presence at religious institutions citywide.”
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the victims as they were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community. Both victims were employed by the Israeli Embassy. One was an Israeli citizen and an official guest of the U.S. government.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows Rodriguez walking past the victims before turning and firing multiple rounds. After the victims fell, he allegedly continued firing at close range, including as one attempted to crawl away. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun and 21 spent shell casings at the scene.
Rodriguez entered the Museum after he committed the murders. Witnesses and surveillance video reportedly confirmed his involvement. He had flown from Chicago to Washington the day prior with the firearm declared in his checked luggage.
The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with assistance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Omar begrudgingly made a statement that she was “appalled” at the violence had prayers for the “victims” and their families and loved ones. Keep in mind that after October 7 people like Omar said the victims were the “palestinians” not the Israelis who were murdered. She is sending a message that her target audience will understand but the general public will not see . There may be connections with the murderer, the murderers father was a guest of Jesus Garcia D Rep IL at a prior function also attended by Omar and Tlaib.