In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, two staff members of Israel’s embassy in the United States were shot and killed in an attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The deadly shooting took place around 9 PM on Wednesday (01:00 GMT, Thursday), according to local authorities.
According to Pamela A. Smith, the chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, a single suspect has been detained in connection with the shooting. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, Illinois, was reportedly seen pacing back and forth outside the museum before approaching a group of four individuals. He then produced a handgun and opened fire, tragically striking both of the deceased embassy staff members.
During his arrest, Rodriguez allegedly chanted, “Free, free, Palestine,” although authorities have not provided specific details regarding the suspected motive behind this violent act. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the shooting, stating that her administration would not tolerate “violence or hate in our city.”
Mayor Bowser emphasized the need for community solidarity, asserting, “We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism.” Reporting from the scene, Al Jazeera’s Heidi Zhou-Castro noted that while the suspect is in custody, many residents are understandably frightened by the rising tide of anti-Semitism in the US.
Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, shared heartfelt sentiments about the victims, describing them as a “beautiful couple” who were planning to marry soon. In a poignant revelation, Leiter noted that the young man had purchased an engagement ring just this week, intending to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.
The American Jewish Committee, which had organized an event at the museum, expressed its devastation over the senseless act of violence that occurred at their venue. This incident has raised alarms among community leaders and citizens alike regarding the current climate of anti-Semitic violence.
US President Donald Trump extended his condolences to the families of the victims, labeling the killings as “obviously based on antisemitism.” He took to Truth Social, stating, “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!”
Additionally, US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed that federal authorities are actively investigating the attack, pledging to bring the “depraved perpetrator” to justice. US Attorney General Pamela Bondi, present at the scene, shared her prayers for the victims and emphasized the need to understand more about the incident.
In response to this tragic event, Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the shooting as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” highlighting the vulnerability of the Jewish community. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that he has instructed Israeli missions worldwide to enhance security measures following the attack.
Security expert Richard Weitz characterized the shooting as a “well-planned assassination,” indicating that the gunman had staked out the target and waited for the right moment to attack Israeli diplomats. He noted that while high-profile diplomats often have security details, lower-level staff members are typically not afforded such protections, raising questions about potential security flaws and whether the attacker had any foreign connections.
This tragic event has not only claimed innocent lives but has also ignited discussions about the safety of diplomatic staff and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the US. As the investigation unfolds, the community and leaders worldwide are calling for a united front against hate and violence.
