Tragedy struck in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night as two members of staff from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum. The incident occurred around 9:05 PM local time as the victims, a man and a woman, exited an event at the museum.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old resident of Chicago, Illinois, who is now in police custody. Witnesses reported seeing Rodriguez loitering outside the museum, appearing agitated before he approached a small group and opened fire, killing both embassy staff members.
Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that while in custody, the suspect repeatedly chanted: “Free Palestine.”
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, expressed profound sorrow, revealing that the victims were a young couple on the verge of getting engaged.
“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he shared. “They were a beautiful couple.”
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, voiced confidence in American authorities: “Our government has full faith in law enforcement authorities at the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States.”
U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the incident via Truth Social, strongly condemning the attack and linking it to antisemitism.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he said. “Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is actively collaborating with local police:
“The agency is working with the police to respond to the situation,” he said. “In the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families.”
