“The security let this person in thinking they were a bystander or witness,” organiser Jojo Kalin said.
BBC
A man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staff at a Washington DC museum event was mistaken for a witness and given water by bystanders before confessing.
Police say Elias Rodriguez, 30, shot Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim—an engaged couple—outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
Organiser Jojo Kalin told the BBC she saw the suspect inside the venue appearing “very distraught.” “The security let this person in thinking they were a bystander or witness,” she said.
Eyewitnesses said Rodriguez, who had no visible weapon, was offered help. “People were calming him down, bringing him water,” said Yoni Kalin.
Rodriguez then pulled out a red keffiyeh and declared: “I did this for Gaza. Free Palestine.”
The shooting occurred around 21:05 local time. Police chief Pamela Smith said the suspect was seen pacing before opening fire with a handgun.
FBI deputy director Dan Bongino said initial signs suggest “an act of targeted violence.”
Rodriguez is in custody.