Two employees of the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC.
The Metropolitan Police Department identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago. Police said Rodriguez opened fire on a group of four individuals shortly after 9pm local time, fatally shooting a young couple who were staffers at the Israeli mission. The suspect was apprehended inside the museum moments later after being stopped by security personnel.
Police Chief Pamela Smith, addressing a late-night news conference, stated that the shooter shouted “Free, free Palestine” after being taken into custody. Authorities believe the act was deliberate, though officials have not yet confirmed whether the suspect had any prior links to extremist groups.
The victims, whose names have not been released, were described as a young couple who were planning to get engaged. Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, told reporters that the male victim had purchased an engagement ring earlier in the week and intended to propose during a trip to Jerusalem.
“This is a devastating loss,” Ambassador Leiter said. “They were full of life and hope. It is heartbreaking.”
The shooting occurred in a heavily secured part of the US capital, surrounded by museums, federal buildings, and the FBI’s Washington field office. The incident prompted a significant police response, with multiple downtown streets cordoned off and the nearby Georgetown University briefly placed under lockdown.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as shots rang out. “We heard the gunfire and then saw a man come into the museum looking distressed,” said Katie Kalisher, who was attending the same event.
While authorities have not officially declared a motive, both US and Israeli officials have labelled the incident as an act of antisemitism.
US President Donald Trump condemned the attack in a post on Truth Social, writing: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment, calling it a “brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence” and vowed justice for the victims.
In Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “devastated” by the events. “This is a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism. Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered,” he stated. “America and Israel will stand united in defence of our people and shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”
The Capital Jewish Museum, the site of the attack, had recently received a federal security grant amid concerns over rising antisemitic threats. Beatrice Gurwitz, the museum’s executive director, had earlier told NBC News that Jewish institutions across the US were facing increasing security challenges.
“We recognise the threats associated with our mission and exhibitions,” Ms Gurwitz said. “Our goal remains to be a safe, welcoming space for all who enter.”
A spokesperson for the Israeli embassy confirmed that two staffers had been shot at close range and that none of the other diplomats, including the ambassador, were harmed.
“We have full faith in law enforcement at the local and federal levels,” said embassy spokesman Tal Naim Cohen. “We trust they will protect Israel’s representatives and the Jewish community throughout the United States.”
Federal authorities have taken over the investigation, and the suspect remains in custody. No further details about his background or motives were released at the time of filing.
The shooting has reignited concerns among Jewish communities in the US, with leaders urging heightened vigilance and unity in the face of growing threats.
“We won’t be deterred,” said JoJo Kalin, a board member of the American Jewish Committee who helped organise the event. “This tragedy reminds us of how vital it is to continue standing up for peace, dialogue, and security for all.”
