A suspect is in custody following the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington on Wednesday night. The gunman, identified by police as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, approached a group of four individuals leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of a man and a woman. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the shooter had been pacing outside the museum, which is located near the FBI’s field office, before the shooting occurred. After the killings, he entered the museum where he was detained by event security. Upon his arrest, the suspect reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine.”
The suspect was not on any security watchlists, and there were no increased security threats prior to the shooting, according to officials. The firearm used in the incident was also confiscated. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed that the victims were a young couple who were planning to get engaged.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was present at the scene along with US attorney Jeanine Pirro, stated that she had multiple conversations with US President Donald Trump throughout the night. Trump condemned the killings on Truth Social, describing them as based on antisemitism and calling for an end to hatred and radicalism. He offered condolences to the families of the victims.
The Israeli embassy in Washington spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen mentioned that the staff members were shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. She expressed full faith in law enforcement authorities to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities in the United States.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that he and his team had been briefed on the shooting. He asked for prayers for the victims and their families and assured cooperation with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed devastation over the incident, describing it as a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism that claimed the lives of two young embassy employees. He offered support to the ambassador and embassy staff and condemned the violence.
Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to enhance its security. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that the community will stand together to send a clear message against antisemitism and will not tolerate hate and violence.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/22/two-israeli-embassy-staff-shot-dead-near-washington-dc-jewish-museum-homeland-security-secretary
