Two Israeli Embassy Staff Shot Near DC Jewish Museum

Two staff members from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC on Wednesday night. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was arrested after the shooting. The incident happened near the FBI’s field office.

The gunman approached a group of four people leaving an event at the museum and opened fire, killing a man and a woman who worked at the embassy. Police said the suspect had been pacing outside the museum before the attack. After shooting the two victims, he walked inside the museum where security detained him. He shouted “Free, free Palestine” after being arrested. Authorities confirmed the suspect was not on any security watchlists and no warnings had been issued before the shooting. The firearm was also recovered.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the victims were a young couple who were about to become engaged. The shooting has shocked many both in the US and Israel. Attorney General Pam Bondi and US Attorney Jeanine Pirro were present at the scene. Bondi spoke with President Donald Trump several times during the night. President Trump condemned the killings on social media, calling the violence “based obviously on antisemitism” and said hatred and radicalism have no place in the United States.

The Israeli embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen said the victims were shot at close range while attending the Jewish event at the museum. She expressed full confidence in law enforcement to catch the shooter and protect the embassy staff and Jewish communities across the country. FBI Director Kash Patel said the FBI is working with local police to respond and learn more about the incident and asked for prayers for the victims and their families. Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the attack as a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism and sent support to the embassy and condolences to the families.

The Capital Jewish Museum recently received part of a $500,000 grant to improve security for local nonprofits. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser promised the community would stand united against antisemitism. She said there was no active threat in the city but acknowledged the attack would frighten many people. She emphasized that violence and hate would not be tolerated.