Washington, May 21 (EFE) – A tragic shooting in Washington, D.C. resulted in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members on Wednesday night.
The incident occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum while the victims were leaving a Jewish event.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Israeli embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen confirmed the shooting that left the community in shock.
According to Cohen, the couple was shot at close range. They were attending an event at the museum when the tragic event unfolded.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith reported that a lone suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, has been taken into custody.
“We received emergency calls about a shooting around 9:08 pm. Upon arrival, our officers found one male and one female not breathing,” Smith stated.
Tragically, both victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after.
Witnesses noted that Rodriguez was behaving erratically outside the museum prior to the shooting. He allegedly approached a group and opened fire with a handgun, striking both decedents.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum where he was detained. He revealed the location of the weapon he had discarded, which was subsequently recovered.
Smith mentioned that during his detention, Rodriguez chanted, “free, free Palestine.”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter expressed deep sorrow over the loss, revealing that the victims were a young couple who were preparing to get engaged, with a ring already purchased for a proposal in Jerusalem next week.
The event was hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and aimed to connect Jewish professionals with members of the diplomatic community.
AJC CEO Ted Deutch expressed the organization’s devastation over the violence that marred the event.
“This unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue, and we are heartbroken,” Deutch stated.
The FBI, represented by Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen, deemed the event a heinous crime and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing.
Jensen emphasized that the FBI is committed to exploring any potential ties to terrorism or bias-motivated actions.
Local authorities have assured the public that there is no longer a threat to safety in the area.
This incident has sparked accusations of antisemitism, drawing reactions from leaders in both the United States and Israel.
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform, stating, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage at the attack, calling it abhorrent.
“My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an antisemitic murderer,” Netanyahu said.
He also highlighted that he had ordered increased security at Israeli missions worldwide in response.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog reflected on the incident, categorizing it as a despicable act of hatred.
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy,” Herzog stated.
Herzog offered condolences to the families of the victims and support to the embassy staff.
Additionally, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, labelled the shooting as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” in a post on social media.
“Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” Danon asserted, expressing confidence that US authorities would act strongly against this criminal act.
Embassy spokesperson Cohen conveyed faith in local and federal law enforcement’s ability to protect Israeli representatives and Jewish communities in the United States.
At the scene of the tragic incident, Attorney General Pam Bondi, accompanied by Jeanine Pirro, extended their condolences and support.
The Capital Jewish Museum, where the shooting took place, defines itself as the sole institution dedicated to exploring the history of Jews in Washington, D.C., and aims to foster community and inspire social action.
image source from：https://efe.com/en/latest-news/2025-05-22/man-in-custody-after-two-israeli-embassy-staff-shot-dead-in-washington/
