A young, soon-to-be-engaged Israeli couple was brutally shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday evening. The incident occurred as the couple, both employees of the Israeli Embassy, were leaving the museum after attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunman chanted “Free, free Palestine” following the shooting, raising concerns about the motives behind this tragic act.
According to law enforcement officials, the couple was discovered unconscious and not breathing at the scene by first responders. D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith provided an update during a press conference a few hours post-incident, confirming that authorities believe the shooting was perpetrated by a single individual. This suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. Chief Smith reported that Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum prior to the attack.
After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum, where he was quickly detained by security personnel. Chief Smith emphasized that the police had not received any prior intelligence regarding potential terrorist acts or hate crimes in connection with this incident. She stated, “We don’t see anything in his background that would have put him on our radar at this time,” indicating a lack of previous interactions with Rodriguez.
The emotional impact of the shooting was palpable, especially for the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, who shared that the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring, planning to propose to his girlfriend in Jerusalem the following week. “They were a beautiful couple, who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center,” Leiter lamented during the press conference.
In light of this incident, former President Donald Trump reached out to Leiter, committing to “do everything it can possibly do to fight and end antisemitism.” Trump later expressed his outrage on social media, stating: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Prominent figures within the Jewish community have voiced their condemnation of this violent act. Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as “a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism.” Additionally, Ted Deutch, chief executive of the American Jewish Committee, expressed his devastation over the “unspeakable act of violence” that occurred outside the venue.
Moreover, Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, labeled the shooting as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” expressing confidence that U.S. authorities would take decisive action against those responsible.
The FBI’s Washington field office is treating the shooting as a possible hate crime, according to Assistant Director Steven J. Jensen. He indicated, “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share.” In a social media post, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem urged the public to pray for the victims’ families, assuring that the perpetrator would face justice.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that she had visited the crime scene alongside interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, who will oversee the prosecution of the case. Bondi assured the public, “All of our federal agencies will work hand in hand” with the D.C. police department, emphasizing their commitment to following the law and pursuing justice for the victims.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
