(The Center Square) – Illinois politicians have offered statements and responses after it was revealed that a Jewish couple’s alleged killer is a man with political connections in Chicago.
Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, is accused of killing Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky outside the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday night.
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said the young couple was deeply committed to fostering peace.
“Their lives were brutally cut short by an act of hate, perpetrated by a 31-year-old from Chicago,” McCombie said during a speech on the House floor Friday morning.
McCombie said silence in the face of evil is complicity.
“We must stand firmly against antisemitism and support our ally Israel in its right to exist and defend itself,” McCombie said.
McCombie urged her fellow lawmakers to adopt House Resolution 55, reflecting on the terrorist attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and committing to lasting peace and stability for Israel.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement Thursday.
“I strongly condemn the antisemitic attack resulting in the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky – two Israeli embassy staff – at the Capital Jewish Museum last night in Washington, D.C. We send our deepest condolences and pray for the victims, their families, colleagues, and those who loved them,” Johnson stated.
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez posted a photo on X of United Working Families activists, including the alleged shooter in a group with Johnson and U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Chicago.
“Birds of a feather,” Lopez posted.
Johnson responded to questions at a news conference on Thursday.
“There’s been so much animus that has been directed towards the Jewish community, and it’s our collective responsibility to be far more thoughtful about how we express our politics,” Johnson said.
The mayor was asked about his appearance at a May Day rally which included activist groups the alleged killer was associated with.
“As someone who is deeply connected to the labor movement, as a city that is the most pro-worker city in America, that’s what that rally and that May Day is all about,” Johnson said.
Ramirez posted a statement condemning the shooting and another denouncing those who spread misinformation.
