The father of the man accused of shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Washington, D.C., Capital Jewish Museum earlier this week attended President Donald Trump’s joint address in March at the invitation of a Democratic Illinois representative.
A spokesperson for Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García, D-Ill., mentioned that “Eric Rodriguez was our guest during the President’s Joint Speech to Congress, but we don’t know his family,” to Fox News Digital.
Rodriguez, an Iraq war veteran and steward for the Service Employees International Union working at a Chicago VA hospital, is identified as per information on the organization’s website.
A sketch from the preliminary hearing/arraignment for Elias Rodriguez, who is accused of shooting two Israeli Embassy staffers. (Dana Verkouteren)
According to an unsealed FBI affidavit, surveillance footage allegedly shows Elias approaching Lischinsky and Milgrim from behind as they entered a crosswalk before opening fire on the couple.
As the victims collapsed to the ground, investigators say Elias allegedly continued shooting before pausing to reload his weapon and firing again.
Upon being approached by authorities, Elias allegedly said, “I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed.” As he was being arrested, bystander video shows Elias yelling, “Free Palestine.”
If convicted, Elias could face the death penalty with a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison.
“I strongly condemn this horrible, senseless act of antisemitism,” García said in a statement posted to X. “My heart is with the victims and everyone impacted by the attack. We mourn the lives lost and reject the idea that justice can be won through violence.”
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
