Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in the United States have been shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are investigating as a potential hate crime.
The victims—a man and a woman—were gunned down at approximately 9:05 p.m. local time as they exited an event at the museum.
Police have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, who is currently in custody. According to eyewitness accounts, Rodriguez had been “pacing back and forth outside of the museum” before he approached a group of four individuals, pulled out a handgun, and opened fire.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that while in custody, the suspect chanted, “Free Palestine.”
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., told reporters that the victims were a young couple on the verge of engagement.
“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Leiter revealed. “They were a beautiful couple.”
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, expressed confidence in U.S. 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,” she said.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the tragedy via Truth Social, denouncing the incident as an act of antisemitism.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote.
“Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL.”
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), stated that the agency is collaborating with local police to respond to the situation and ensure public safety.
“In the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families,” he added. “Authorities will keep the public updated as we are able.”
