Independent journalist Ken Klippenstein says federal agents visited his home Thursday after he posted what he described as a manifesto linked to a suspect in a deadly Washington, D.C., shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum.
According to the Daily Caller, the FBI allegedly questioned Klippenstein about how he obtained the document connected to the May 21 shooting, which left two Israeli diplomats dead, and followed up with further inquiries sent by email.
The incident follows the fatal shooting that took place on Wednesday, May 21, in the vicinity of Washington's Capital Jewish Museum. Authorities identified the suspected gunman as Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old, in a violent attack that claimed the lives of two Israeli diplomats. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain part of an ongoing investigation.
On the following day, Thursday, May 22, Klippenstein published a document he referred to as the “alleged manifesto” of Rodriguez. The journalist did not disclose the source of the document but shared it publicly, drawing considerable attention across social media and news platforms. According to Klippenstein, shortly after he released the document, two FBI agents came to his residence. Describing the visit on his social media account the following day, he wrote, “The FBI just visited me for publishing the Elias Rodriguez manifesto.”
Allegations of Pressure and Follow-Up Communication
Klippenstein claimed the agents’ demeanor was intimidating, accusing them of being forceful in their attempt to extract information. He stated that the agents questioned him about the way he had secured access to the alleged manifesto and whether he had any prior communications with Rodriguez himself.
He further recounted one question from the officials, who reportedly said they wanted to “know about the timeline: how you knew about the manifesto before anyone else, and if you were in touch with the shooter beforehand.” Klippenstein said the agents requested cooperation but left shortly after he indicated he would be speaking through his legal counsel.
Later, according to his public statements, one of the agents followed up by email. This message, Klippenstein said, included a list of detailed questions and emphasized a request for the information exchange to remain between Klippenstein and his attorney, stating, “We would appreciate it if this list of questions were kept between you and your client.”
Previous Encounters With Federal Authorities
This is not the first time Klippenstein has claimed to be visited by FBI officials. He previously stated that the agency contacted him in October 2024 after he published what he described as a campaign dossier connected to Republican U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, who at that time was reportedly involved in the Trump 2024 campaign.
Klippenstein has a history of reporting on leaked documents linked to individuals involved in high-profile violence. In an earlier incident, he published a manifesto he said was written by Luigi Mangione, who is accused of the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. That document was later confirmed by authorities to be legitimate, according to reporting from Newsweek.
In the current case surrounding the Elias Rodriguez document, law enforcement has not publicly confirmed whether the manifesto Klippenstein published is authentic or whether it is being treated as official evidence in the investigation into the May 21 shooting.
FBI and Journalist Decline to Comment Further
The Daily Caller, an online media outlet, reported that it had reached out to both the FBI and Klippenstein for official comment. As of the time of its publication, neither party had responded to the request.
The journalist also published a screenshot online, which he claimed was part of the FBI’s email containing their follow-up questions. These items allegedly asked him to clarify whether he had shared the manifesto with others and requested a timeline of when he first obtained the document. The FBI has not confirmed the authenticity or existence of the email or addressed Klippenstein’s specific claims about the agents’ behavior during their visit.
Ongoing Investigation and Journalistic Implications
The killing of two Israeli diplomats remains under investigation, and officials have not released new details regarding the suspect’s background or whether a manifesto played a role in the incident. The Capital Jewish Museum has not issued a public statement regarding the shooting or the surrounding circumstances.
Klippenstein’s decision to publish the document has raised questions within journalism circles, especially concerning the line between public interest and investigative interference. Legal experts have in the past debated whether publishing such materials could expose journalists to government scrutiny. As of now, it is unclear whether any formal legal measures are being pursued against Klippenstein. He maintains that his work is tied to responsible investigative reporting and says he will continue communicating through his legal counsel regarding the matter.
