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American Osteopathic Information Association
Employee Charged in Jewish Museum Shooting
Association Professes “Profound Sorrow”
By Todd McElwee
Elias Rodriguez, 31, an employee of the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA), has been charged with federal and local murder offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members—Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky—outside of the Jewish National Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21.
The Wall Street Journal reported Rodriguez was an administrative specialist at AOIA and in town for a work event. The association did not respond to USAE’s outreach seeking clarification of what event specifically he was attending.
AOA President Dr. Teresa A. Hubka; and Kathleen S. Creason, CEO of AOA, issued this statement:
“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.
In this time of grief, we extend our deepest sympathy to the victims’ loved ones and all others impacted by this act of violence. We wish for peace, comfort and strength in the days and weeks ahead.”
The Justice Department said Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the victims as they were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.
“This brutal, anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country or anywhere in civilization,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will follow the facts and secure the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together.”
CNN reported Lischinsky had recently bought a ring to propose marriage to Milgrim.
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