Two staff members of Israel’s embassy in the United States have been shot and killed in a tragic incident outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The attack, which happened around 9pm on Wednesday, has sparked outrage and grief both in the US and in Israel.
The victims, a young couple who were both staff members of the Israeli embassy, were gunned down by a man later identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, Illinois. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Rodriguez was seen walking back and forth outside the museum before he pulled out a gun and opened fire on a group of four people, hitting the couple.
At a press conference, Police Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed the arrest of the suspect. She said, “Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing outside the museum. He approached the group, produced a handgun, and shot both of the victims.”
While in police custody, Rodriguez reportedly shouted, “Free, free, Palestine,” which has raised fears that the shooting may be politically or religiously motivated.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described the victims as a “beautiful couple” who had planned to get engaged soon. “The young man had just bought a ring. He wanted to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he said, clearly emotional.
The incident has drawn responses from top US officials. Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, confirmed that federal authorities were now investigating the attack. “Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she said in a statement.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who was at the scene shortly after the shooting, also expressed her sorrow. “I’m praying for the victims of this violence as we continue to investigate what happened,” she said.
The American Jewish Committee, which had organised an event at the museum that evening, said it was “devastated” by the attack. “Our hearts are with those who were harmed and their families. We await more information from police,” the organisation stated.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, called the incident a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” and warned that violence against the Jewish community must not be tolerated. “Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” he said.
Danon also called on the US government to take strong action, while emphasizing that Israel will continue to protect its citizens and representatives around the world.
The attack has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and has added to growing concerns over the rise in hate crimes globally. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected in the coming days.
