Washington, D.C. – A tragic shooting unfolded on Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., when a gunman fatally shot two Israeli embassy staff members as they were leaving an event. According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the victims a young man and woman were part of a group of four people when the suspect approached and opened fire.
Police identified the shooter as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago. Witnesses saw Rodriguez pacing outside the museum before the attack. After firing the deadly shots, he entered the museum and was later apprehended by authorities. During his arrest, Rodriguez repeatedly chanted, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith confirmed.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter revealed that the victims were a young couple, with the man planning to propose in Jerusalem next week. “He had just bought the ring,” Leiter said, expressing deep sorrow over the tragic loss of such promising young lives.
Leaders Condemn Antisemitic Shooting Near Jewish Museum, Pledge Justice and Unity
U.S. President Donald Trump strongly condemned the attack, calling it 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 posted on X.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths and promised justice. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting D.C. Attorney Jeanine Pirro visited the scene to oversee the investigation.
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Israeli and U.S. leaders have labeled the shooting an anti-Semitic terrorist act. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon expressed grief and pledged to stand firm against hatred and terror. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have assured that the perpetrator will face the full extent of the law.