'Spineless, gutless cowards': What FBI said on DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez

Elias Rodriguez , the 31-year-old alleged shooter, who killed the young Israeli diplomat couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum and justified his act saying it was for Palestine, was described by the FBI as spineless, gutless and coward. FBI deputy director Dan Bongino said targeted acts of anti-semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards. "And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads," Dan Bongino said yesterday. Rodriguez was charged with murder after that.

Rodriguez was identified by an Illinois driver's license

The FBI, in its affidavit, said Elia Rodriguez was unarmed when he was arrested. He was identified by Illinoi driver's license and Firearms Owner's Identification Card as Elias A Rodriguez. "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed," Rodriguez said, holding a red scarf identified by one witness as a kaffiyeh.

Rodriguez travelled from Chicago on a United Airlines plane to Reagan National Airport in Virginia. According to records provided by United Airlines, Rodriguez declared a flew with a firearm in his checked baggage, the FBI affidavit said.

Rodriguez's work and family life

According to reports, Rodriguez lived in Albany Park in Chicago. His parents live separately and his childhood and education do not show anything unusual. According to his LinkedIn profile, he worked as a writer for wikiHow, which publishes articles and quizzes on a variety of topics. He was a senior content associate for CouponCabin, a company based in Chicago that provides printable and digital coupons for discounts to consumers. He later worked as an oral history researcher and production coordinator at a Black history site, and then took a job at the American Osteopathic Information Association, a trade group for osteopathic doctors.

Rodriguez graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago and studied a Bachelor of Arts. Over time, he grew extremely inclined towards left-wing politics, posting on social media and joining demonstrations in Chicago, opposing Israel's war in Gaza.