Washington, May 21 (EFE).- A man is in custody after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead on Wednesday night outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC.
The shooting was confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Israeli embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen.
“Two staff of the Israeli embassy were shot this evening at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” Cohen said in a statement.
Police believe the shooting was committed by a sole suspect, who Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, and who was taken into custody.
Police officers on the scene where two people were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, USA, 22 May 2025. EFE/EPA/WILL OLIVER
Incident followed Jewish event
During a press conference, Smith said that police received emergency calls of a shooting around 9.08 pm and upon arrival at the scene officers found one male and one female not breathing. They later succumbed to their injuries.
The victims had been leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the incident occurred, she said.“
Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire striking both of our decedents,” she said.
After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum where he was detained, and disclosed where he had discarded a weapon, which was recovered.“The suspect chanted ‘free, free Palestine’ while in custody,” Smith said.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two killed were a young couple about to be engaged, and that the man had just bought a ring in order to propose next week in Jerusalem.
American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch confirmed that the AJC had hosted the museum event, which was intended to bring together Jewish professionals with the diplomatic community.
“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” Deutch said.
Washington FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen said that “tonight a heinous crime was committed.”
“The FBI stands with the Metropolitan Police Department to help not only investigate the homicides and provide but also to look into ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on a bias.”
The FBI said there was no more threat to public safety in the area.
Accusations of anti-semitism
The shooting prompted accusations of anti-semitism, including from leaders in the US and Israel.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “outraged” by the incident.
“My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer. I have directed that security be increased at Israeli missions around the world and for the state’s representatives,” he said in a statement.
He said he had spoken to Ambassador Leiter and US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said he was “devastated” by the shooting.
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured. I send my full to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff,” he said.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon also described the shooting as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” in a post on X.
“Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world,” Danon wrote.
Embassy spokesperson Cohen said “we have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States.”
Attorney General Bondi was at the scene with Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney in Washington.
The Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, defines itself as the only museum that explores the history of Jews in the District of Columbia to build community and inspire social action. EFE
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