DONKEY: Pro-Palestine Gunman K!lls 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Members

Summary

The Breakfast Club Episode Summary: DONKEY – Pro-Palestine Gunman K!lls 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Members

Release Date: May 22, 2025

---

Introduction

In the May 22, 2025 episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, and Charlamagne Tha God delve into a tragic and complex incident that has shaken international communities. Titled "DONKEY: Pro-Palestine Gunman K!lls 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Members," the episode provides a profound exploration of the event's implications, empathy for victims on all sides, and the broader ramifications of global conflicts on individual lives.

---

Donkey of the Day: Elias Rodriguez

At [02:16], Charlamagne introduces the segment "Donkey of the Day," focusing on Elias Rodriguez, the gunman responsible for the lethal attack at the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. The segment aims to shed light on the individual behind the violence and the motivations that fueled such an act.

DJ Envy prompts the discussion with, "Charlamagne. Who you giving Dusty of the Day to now?" ([02:25]), setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about the incident.

---

Incident Overview

Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, carried out the shooting on the night of May 21, 2025, during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capitol Jewish Museum. The attack resulted in the deaths of Yaron Lezinski and Sarah Lynn Milgram, a young couple on the brink of engagement ([03:24]). Their tragic loss symbolizes the innocent lives caught in the crossfire of enduring political and social tensions.

---

Charlamagne Tha God's In-Depth Commentary

Charlamagne delivers a compelling and emotionally charged monologue from [03:41] to [09:12], addressing the multifaceted aspects of the tragedy:

1. Empathy Across Conflict Lines

   • Charlamagne emphasizes the shared humanity between conflicting sides, stating, "What I want us to understand is this is why you can't ignore what's going on in the rest of the world. What's going on in the rest of the world impacts us here" ([04:30]). He draws parallels between the victims in Washington D.C. and those suffering in Gaza, highlighting the universal impact of violence.

2. Condemnation of Terrorism

   • He clearly differentiates between activism and terrorism, asserting, "What Elias did isn't activism. It's terrorism. And any of us could be the victim of that terrorism" ([07:00]). This statement underscores the personal threat that such acts pose to everyday individuals.

3. Critique of Systemic Failures

   • Charlamagne critiques the societal and systemic structures that fail to protect ordinary people, elaborating, "We the people have way less protection than they do" ([06:45]). He points out the disparity between those in power and the general populace, advocating for systemic reforms.

4. Advocacy for Compassion and Peace

   • He passionately calls for empathy and a commitment to peace over hate, highlighting, "Compassion gotta outweigh rage. Commitment to peace has to be louder than the voice of hate" ([08:30]). Charlamagne stresses that without compassion, cycles of violence and retribution will perpetuate.

5. Personal Reflections on Safety and Society

   • Sharing his own anxieties, Charlamagne reflects, "My anxiety is set up, when I'm out, I think about stuff like this" ([07:50]). This personal insight reveals the pervasive fear and insecurity that mass shootings instill in individuals, regardless of their background.

6. Impact of Global Conflicts on Local Communities

   • He underscores the interconnectedness of global events with local safety, noting, "This shooting in D.C. should be a reminder that the conflicts overseas have real consequences here at home" ([08:15]). Charlamagne calls for a unified stance against violence, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

---

Host Interaction and Light-Hearted Banter

Following Charlamagne's profound monologue, the show transitions back to its signature blend of serious discussion and humor. Starting around [09:12], DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God engage in a playful exchange about a "penis laser," injecting levity into the conversation:

• DJ Envy questions, "Is that a penis?" ([09:12]), leading to humorous dialogues and interactions ([09:38]-[12:30]).
• This segment highlights the hosts' chemistry and ability to balance heavy topics with relatable, light-hearted moments, maintaining the show's dynamic energy.

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Breakfast Club masterfully balances a serious exploration of a tragic event with moments of humor and rapport between the hosts. Charlamagne Tha God's heartfelt reflections encourage listeners to empathize beyond cultural and political divides, advocating for a more compassionate and peaceful society. The discussion not only honors the victims but also serves as a call to action to address the underlying issues that perpetuate violence and division.

By intertwining deep, insightful commentary with the hosts' engaging personalities, the episode provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with a diverse audience, emphasizing the enduring need for empathy and unity in the face of global and local adversities.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.

[Carlos Miller]

Taking control of your career is empowering. Just don't tell my boss I said that. Just kidding. I am the boss. This is Carlos Miller from the 85 South Show. And building a career isn't just about a job. It's about creating a path that impacts our community and future generations. Whether you're starting out or even making big moves, State Farm is here to support you with resources to help protect what you're working hard to achieve. They've got your back every step of the way. Because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Find out [e-mail] meetings, deadlines, emails.

[Angela Yee]

Don't you wish you could escape the chaos? That's where the all new Nissan Murano comes in. With available features like the relaxing massaging seats to ease stress and the beautiful skyline views that bring in natural light. It's like cruising in your personal Oasis. And if you need to set a vibe, 64 colors of personalized lighting and a Bose premium sound system have you covered. Hands down, the all new Nissan Murano is your stress free getaway. Sometimes the greatest rush isn't rushing at all. Drive the all new Nissan Murano today.

[DJ Envy]

Panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, bows and massaging leather appointed seats are optional features.

[Unknown]

AT&T has a new guarantee because most things in life are not guaranteed like getting through self checkout by yourself. Not guaranteed. In a world where Nothing is guaranteed, AT&T is bringing something new to the table. AT&T is introducing a guarantee with connectivity you depend on, deals you want and service you deserve or they make it right. Learn [e-mail] guarantee@&t connecting changes everything. Terms and conditions apply. Visit att.comguaranty for details.

[Angela Yee]

If you own a home, here's an interesting fact for you today. American homeowners are sitting on a record amount of home equity. That's the part of your home you own outright. Rocket Mortgage can help you turn that home equity into cash and that can help you fund a home renovation, pay for your kid's college tuition or pay off consolidated high interest debt. To learn more just call 800 for Rocket or visit Rocket.com today Rocket Mortgage LLC. Licensed in 50 states. Nmlsconsumeraccess.org number 30 30.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It's time for Donkey of the Day.

[DJ Envy]

It's a read, but you're so good at it.

[Carlos Miller]

You trying to be a fake ass Charlemagne?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

There's only one Charlemagne involved.

[DJ Envy]

Charlamagne. Who you giving Dusty of the Day to now?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know sexy red. Let me drink some water. You be drinking the hell out of that water. I do. Donkey. Today for Thursday, May 22nd goes to Elias Rodriguez. Elias is in his early 30s and he is the alleged killer of two staff members of Israel's embassy in Washington DC. Let's go to NBC News for the report, please.

[Unknown]

Overnight, a deadly shooting in Washington D.C.

[Angela Yee]

Tonight a heinous crime was committed.

[Unknown]

A gunman opening fire at the Capitol Jewish Museum, killing two staff members of the Israeli Embassy. New video showing the suspect being detained shouting pro Palestinian messages. Police say the shooting happened shortly after 9. 00pm at a museum event hosted by the American Jewish Committee.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire.

[Unknown]

The suspect, identified as 30 year old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, then entered the museum and was detained by event security. According to authorities. Israel identifying the victims as Yaron Lezinski and Sarah Lynn Milgram, a young couple who are about to become engaged.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. Now this isn't political for me. This is about humanity. Okay? I know the Israeli versus Palestinian conflict is one of the most intense debates in the world today and has been for thousands of. I am fully aware that Elias shouted Free Palestine. Free Palestine while in police custody and implied that he committed the shooting. This is definitely driven by what is currently happening in Palestine. Since October 7, 53,655 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza according to the Gaza Health Ministry. And those numbers may be underreported because thousands of bodies are believed to be buried under rubble. I understand all of that, but what I want us to understand is this is why you can't ignore what's going on in the rest of the world. What's going on in the rest of the world impacts us here, whether we are are aware of what's going on or not. Okay. I was in my office this morning and I looked at this couple, Sarah and Yaron. Sarah. Sarah Milgram and Yaron Linsky, I think it is. I was watching them this morning and I read that they were on a night out and they were about to get engaged. And it just simply hurt my feelings, okay? I don't care what their race is, their ethnicity. All I saw was two humans who became casualties of a system that is failing us all. Just like all those kids and innocent people being killed in Gaza are casualties of a failed system. And it doesn't seem like it's going to be an end to it anytime soon, okay? People are just going to be out here getting it back in blood, eye for an eye. And I personally don't want to live in a world like that, even though we already do, okay? We are already in that world because any of us can be casualties of a system. Another country could send a nuclear weapon over here right now and kill us all because they don't like our government, because they don't like our system, when most people in America don't even like our government. They don't like our system, but we become casualties of it because we are part of the processes and the structures and policies of this country, whether we want to be or not. And that's what I mean when I see this couple, okay, that Elias Rodriguez gunned down. He don't know what they was on, okay? For all he knows, they might have worked at Israel's embassy and absolutely disagreed with how Israel is handling Gaza. We don't know, but that's why Martin Luther King Jr. Said, An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. The same empathy I have for the innocent people and children being killed in Gaza is the empathy I have for this couple, Sarah and Yaron, okay? Same empathy I have for the people who got killed at the concert on October 7th. That could be any of us at any given time. There was just a couple on a night out and got gunned down. I don't know about y' all, but because of all of these mass shootings that happen in this country, the way my anxiety is set up, when I'm out, I think about stuff like this, okay? If you don't, God bless you, all right? But situations like this are my worst nightmare. You just out with your lady and somebody shoots and kills you. I'm not with that. I don't respect it. I don't condone it. I don't like seeing innocent people being killed. Meanwhile, the puppet masters pulling the screens are highly protected, okay? Them and their families don't have to worry about this stuff stuff nearly as much as we do, okay? Don't get me wrong. I know that people in charge of these systems can get it, too. But we the people have way less protection than they do. I tell y' all all the time on this Devil damn radio every day of our lives, we are trying to avoid crazy, okay? Do you understand how civilized we are as a society? I know it don't seem like that, but think about it. Hundreds of millions of people interact every day, and for the most part, we Mind our business, okay? Because all it takes is one guy like Elias Rodriguez to ruin all our days, okay? We need to really pat ourselves on the back sometimes. And thank God that more of us aren't snapping Elias. I understand why he snapped, but I disagree with innocent people getting killed because of his snapping. What Elias did isn't activism. It's terrorism. And any of us could be the victim of that terrorism. And if the reports are correct, this couple, Sarah and Yaren, was attending an event to discuss humanitarian responses in the Middle east and North Africa. So they was trying to build bridges, not burn them. Okay? We can't be like this as a society. We can't ignore what happened to this couple in D.C. we can't ignore what's happening to innocent people in Gaza. If you don't have empathy for it all, I don't want to talk to you, okay? Because violence begets violence. Hatred breeds more hatred. And if we allow our grief and anger to justify targeting innocent people, whether in the name of Palestine or Israel, then we lose our humanity. Okay? This shooting in D.C. should be a reminder that the conflicts overseas have real consequences here at home. And this is why we all should be demanding an end to violence on both sides, okay? Shared humanity has to prevail over division. Compassion gotta outweigh rage. Commitment to peace has to be louder than the voice of hate. Please give Elias Rodriguez the biggest HE Hawkins. Just my thoughts. Just the way I'm feeling at the time, as people. Yeah, well, let's not say that. Let's have some. Let's have some faith in a higher power, okay? All of this has to be happening for a reason, okay? In some way, we have to trust the process. As disgusting as the process is. Yeah. You know, yeah. Let's hope for better days we have. Just fix my mess coming up next. Right, Jess? Yes. Cuz you don't. Don't do that. This does not work. Because it don't work.

[DJ Envy]

Is that a penis?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I bought those. Yes.

[DJ Envy]

Oh, my God.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just lifted my.

[DJ Envy]

Sorry. Am I allowed to say that?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Yes, you can. But I bought that penis laser. Okay? I got several. You want one? You did grow, but you're not. Nobody. Other genders can't use it on each other. That's not right. Men can only do it to other men. Why? Because he can. Only a skinny one I don't like. Well, Charlotte's a thicker curve. When they said the thicker.

[Angela Yee]

Oh, my God.

[DJ Envy]

It's right on the side of your face.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just fix my. Just fix my mess. 1-800-585-1051. If you want this woman who's currently playing with a penis laser to fix your mess.

[DJ Envy]

Your mouth is moving so much with that penis.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You know what that's gonna be said at the Diddy trial today? I don't know in what context, but I guarantee you it's gonna be set at the Diddy trial. And you've been going there too much. It's consuming you. That's why you're talking like that. It's the Breakfast Club dog. Here today is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney, attorney Michael the Bull Laminster. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever injured, go to Michael the Bull dot com. That's Michael the Bull dot com. And when you mess with the bull, you get the horns. Wake that ass up early in the morning. The Breakfast Club.

[Angela Yee]

Okay. Have you heard about this? Last year, the Green changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. Their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And degree Listen. That doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back now. It's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp, and fresh. It's the reason it's the one men's antiperspirant. And it's back in Walmart, Target, and other stores now for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG degree Cool Rush for yourself.

[DJ Envy]

All right, guys, taking a break to put you on to a new series on Netflix. Inspired by Judy Blume's groundbreaking 1975 novel Forever. Watch the reimagined coming of age series about young love by Mara Brock Akil, the iconic creator of Girlfriends. This epic love story follows two black teens, Keisha and Justin, as they explore romance and their identities through the awkward journey of being each other's first. First loves, first arguments, first heartbreak. Everything. Make sure you watch Forever now playing on Netflix.

[Unknown]

Taking control of your career is empowering. Just don't tell my boss I said that. Building a career isn't just about a job. It's about creating a path that impacts our community and future generations. Whether you're starting out or making big moves, State Farm is here to support you with resources to help protect what you're working hard to achieve. They've got your back every step of the way. Because like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[Angela Yee]

Find out [e-mail] meetings, deadlines, emails. Don't you wish you could escape the chaos. That's where the all new Nissan Murano comes in with available features like the relaxing, massaging seats to ease stress and the beautiful skyline views that bring in natural light. It's like cruising in your personal Oasis. And if you need to set a vibe, 64 colors of personalized lighting and a Bose premium sound system have you covered. Hands down, the all new Nissan Murano is your stress free getaway. Sometimes the greatest rush isn't rushing at all. Drive the all new Nissan Murano today.

[DJ Envy]

Panoramic moonroof, ambient lighting, bows and massaging leather appointed seats are optional features.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You're listening to an iHeart podcast.