Wed May 28 09:20:02 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**DC Shooting Outside Jewish Museum Investigated as Hate Crime, ‘Terrorism’; False Flag Claims Debunked**

Washington, D.C. – Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., last week as a hate crime and potential act of “terrorism,” Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced. The shooting, which claimed the lives of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, occurred on May 21st as the victims were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum.

Police have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois. Following his arrest, Rodriguez reportedly chanted, “Free, free, Palestine,” according to Metropolitan Police Department Police Chief Pamela A. Smith. Rodriguez has been charged by the Justice Department with the murder of foreign officials and other related crimes.

The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation, occurring against the backdrop of heightened global tensions surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Almost immediately after the incident, unsubstantiated claims began circulating on social media alleging the shooting was a “false flag” operation. These posts pointed to the museum’s proximity to the FBI’s DC field office and the timing of the event, suggesting the attack was staged to manipulate public opinion.

However, law enforcement officials and fact-checking organizations have dismissed these claims as baseless. PolitiFact has rated the “false flag” assertions as false, citing the lack of any credible evidence to support the theory. They point out that the American Jewish Committee hosted an event at the museum that evening, which ended after 9:00 pm – the time of the shooting.

Historians caution against the rapid spread of “false flag” conspiracy theories on social media, noting that genuine false flag operations are complex and involve significant logistical planning, unlike the speculation that has proliferated online.

The FBI Director Kash Patel and the Israeli government have strongly condemned the shooting, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and accountability. The investigation remains ongoing.

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