The couple, who were in a relationship and reportedly planning to get engaged, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., after attending a "Young Diplomats Reception" hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), an event focused on young professionals and diplomats fostering unity. Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago, allegedly paced outside the museum, opened fire with a semi-automatic handgun (firing around 20-21 shots at close range, reloading, and continuing even after victims fell), targeted the victims based on their Israeli/Jewish connections, and shouted "Free, Free Palestine" while being detained (after pulling out a keffiyeh). Several of the charges carry a possible death penalty.