Two staff members from the Israeli Embassy in the United States were shot and killed on Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The incident occurred during an event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the museum.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez. According to police, Rodriguez shouted “Free Palestine” while being arrested. He had reportedly been seen pacing outside the museum before the event began. Police confirmed that Rodriguez was not previously known to law enforcement and was not on any watchlists.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by event security and taken into custody without further incident. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting in the investigation, and both local and federal agencies are actively working on the case.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths and called the act “senseless,” offering condolences to the victims’ families. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, called the incident a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and urged strong action from US authorities. “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” he said.
The victims, whose names have not been released, were a young couple who were recently engaged, according to Israeli Ambassador to Washington, Yechiel (Michael) Leiter, the Jerusalem Post reported. Embassy spokesperson Tal Naim confirmed that they were attending the cultural event at the museum when the shooting occurred.
The Capital Jewish Museum, which opened in 2023, was hosting the AJC’s event when the shooting happened. Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, said the organization was devastated by the violence. “An unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he said in a statement.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and other officials held a late-night press conference. Mayor Bowser confirmed that there were no prior threats or alerts and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Police are reviewing security footage and speaking with witnesses.
The incident took place just steps away from the FBI’s Washington Field Office in Northwest DC, highlighting the serious nature of the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that his team had been briefed and is closely coordinating with the MPD.
Former US President Donald Trump also reacted to the tragedy on his social media platform, calling it an “obvious act of antisemitism” and urging an end to such hatred in the country.
The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but has not yet released the names of the victims or an official statement beyond confirming that the ambassador was not present during the attack.
After the war in Gaza started after Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7, there is a sentiment shift in the US about Israel and Jews. Multiple events of protest erupted around the US university campuses. However, never turned into violence.
A press conference by MPD is expected soon, and officials say more details will be shared as the investigation progresses.