A fringe faction of the Democratic Socialists of America is praising the murder of two Israeli diplomats outside a Washington, DC, Jewish museum, and lionizing suspected killer Elias Rodriguez, according to posts on social media.
The DSA Liberation Caucus, a self-identified Marxist-Lenist-Maoist caucus within the DSA, glorified Rodriguez in a social media post that appeared to be a direct call for more domestic terrorism.
“It is right to rebel against the enemy. This is Maoist law,” the post from the DSA Liberation Caucus read, featuring a black and white sketch of Rodriguez set in relief against a Palestinian flag stamped with the hammer and sickle.
The DSA — whose members include Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani — disavowed the fringe group’s statement on Wednesday.
“Democratic Socialists of America seek to democratically transform our society and reject vigilante violence,” the post from the Bernie Sanders-aligned group.
“We condemn the murder of Israeli embassy workers. Any statement otherwise is not the stance of DSA,” the short post concluded.
Rodriguez, 31, allegedly shot and killed Yaron Lischnisky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, near the Capital Jewish Museum on May 21.
The alleged violent extremist shouted “Free, free Palestine!,” as he was led away in cuffs.
This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.
