FBI raids East Albany Park residence amid investigation into fatal shooting of Israeli Embassy staffers in DC

CHICAGO (WGN) — FBI agents in Chicago raided a residence on the city’s Northwest Side on Thursday morning as investigators look to piece together what led to the shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, DC.

The deadly shooting unfolded Wednesday night as the victims were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

Authorities said the suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, a Chicago resident, was taken into custody just after the shooting after he walked into the museum and was detained by event security.

According to authorities, Rodriguez had allegedly been observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting and at the time of his arrest, he allegedly began chanting, “Free, free Palestine.”

Federal investigators in Chicago are now working to help agents in DC piece together what led up to the deadly shooting.

A spokesperson for the FBI Chicago Field Office confirmed to WGN News on Thursday that it was supporting the Washington Field Office in its investigation into the deadly shooting.

On Thursday morning, agents with the FBI Chicago field office were spotted raiding a residence in East Albany Park.

A spokesperson later confirmed that agents were conducting “authorized law enforcement activity” in the area in relation to the shooting, though it is unclear how the residence is connected to the investigation.

Few details about the shooter were available Thursday, but a spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) confirmed that he was an employee.

The AOA spokesperson expressed condolence to the victims and vowed to cooperate with investigators during their investigation.

“The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) joins with the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA) to express our profound sorrow in response to the tragic shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening.

We were shocked and saddened to learn that an AOIA employee has been arrested as a suspect in this horrific crime. Both the AOIA and AOA stand ready to cooperate with the investigation in any way we can. As a physician organization dedicated to protecting the health and sanctity of human life, we believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence.

We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims’ loved ones, wishing them peace, comfort and strength during this unimaginably difficult time.
AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), CS, and Kathleen S. Creason, MBA.

Authorities said the victims, who have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were among a group of four people who were approached by the suspect before he allegedly opened fire.

According to the Associated Press, Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel. Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., told the Associated Press that Lischinsky had planned on proposing to Milgrim next week.