Eyewitness Describes Terrifying Encounter with DC Jewish Museum Shooter

Eyewitness Describes Terrifying Encounter with DC Jewish Museum Shooter

Katie Kalisher found herself in an unimaginable situation at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on a recent Wednesday night. During an event, the sound of gunfire shattered the atmosphere, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Israeli diplomats in what authorities are now classifying as a targeted act of antisemitic violence.

As chaos erupted, Kalisher recorded a video depicting the 30-year-old suspect, Elias Rodriguez, as he was apprehended by police. In the video, Rodriguez can be heard shouting “Free Palestine!” Yet, before his arrest, Kalisher experienced a chilling interaction with him.

Unsettling Encounter with a Distressed Man

Kalisher initially thought she was helping a distressed individual. “A man came in, drenched as if caught in a rainstorm, looking visibly upset. We approached him to offer assistance. One friend even asked, ‘Are you okay? Can I get you some water?’ To which he replied, ‘Yeah, actually, that’d be great,’” she recounted in an interview.

Continuing the conversation, Kalisher learned he was aware of his surroundings, despite his apparent confusion. “I asked him if he liked the museum, and he played dumb, acting as if he didn’t know what kind of museum it was,” she recollected.

Revelation of Disturbing Intent

During their exchange, the mood shifted dramatically. After Kalisher revealed it was a Jewish museum, the man posed a chilling question: “Do you think that’s why they did it?” This reference to the gunshots startled her, but she responded cautiously. “I said, ‘Yeah, maybe, I don’t know, but I hope not.’ That’s when he pulled a keffiyeh from his bag and proclaimed, ‘I did it, I did this for Gaza.’ Then, he began shouting, ‘Free, free Palestine!’ just before police arrived to arrest him.

A Moment of Uncertainty

Kalisher later remarked on how the museum’s security allowed Rodriguez inside, likely motivated by humanitarian instincts aimed at keeping him safe amid the uncertainty of the situation. She recalled her experience of being in the same room with the suspect for about ten minutes, uncertain whether he possessed the murder weapon throughout that period.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The incident escalated quickly. Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum moments before violence erupted. He approached a group of four people exiting the building, which included the two victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, just before he began shooting. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith revealed these details during a subsequent news conference, indicating the calculated nature of the attack.

The Embassy of Israel in Washington identified the victims as two individuals on the brink of engagement, raising the stakes of this heartbreaking event.

Emotion and Reflection

In reflecting on that night, Kalisher described Rodriguez as appearing “very scared” during their interaction, which led her to initially think he might be a witness in distress rather than the perpetrator. However, as time has unfolded, she has raised alarms about the persistent wave of antisemitism present in the U.S.

Voicing Concerns about Antisemitism

Kalisher, who identifies as Jewish, expressed her growing concerns regarding rising hate crimes. “This is not the first time I have faced antisemitism, nor do I think it will be the last,” she stated emphatically. Her voice now serves as a cautionary tale about the dangerous climate many face.

A Grateful Survivor

Now coming to terms with her close call, Kalisher feels fortunate to have escaped unharmed. “I feel very lucky to be alive… I am deeply saddened for the victims and their families. It could have been me,” she said, revealing the gravity of her experience and reminding others of the real consequences of hate-fueled violence.