Washington, DC, (National Times): In a tragic incident that has shaken the diplomatic and Jewish communities, two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday night outside an event hosted at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, D.C.
According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m. ET as guests were leaving a pro-Israel event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). A man, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the venue before approaching a group of four people and opening fire.
The victims, a young man and woman described as a couple, were killed on the spot. Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter confirmed the two were embassy staff members and shared that they were about to become engaged. “The young man had just bought a ring and was planning to propose in Jerusalem next week,” he said. “They were a beautiful couple enjoying a peaceful evening in Washington’s cultural heart.”
After the attack, the suspect reportedly entered the museum where he was apprehended by event security. While in custody, he was heard chanting “Free, free Palestine,” according to Chief Smith. Authorities stated that Rodriguez had no prior police record.
The FBI is now involved in the investigation and is exploring potential links to terrorism, hate crime, or bias-motivated violence. “This was a heinous crime, and we are thoroughly investigating any ideological motivations behind it,” said Steve Jensen from the FBI’s Washington field office.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also addressed the shooting on social media, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and vowing that justice will be served. “Please pray for the families of those lost. We are committed to holding this depraved individual accountable,” she posted.
AJC CEO Ted Deutch expressed grief and outrage in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by this unspeakable act of violence. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation unfolds.”
The attack occurred just blocks from the U.S. Capitol, intensifying concerns about rising anti-Semitic violence and the security of diplomatic personnel in the nation’s capital.
Israeli Ambassador Leiter also shared that he received a call from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who offered condolences and pledged that the government would do “everything possible to fight and end anti-Semitism.”
The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.
