Israeli Embassy Employees Killed in Shooting Outside Washington, D.C. Jewish Museum

Two employees of the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum in downtown Washington DC. The police reported that the shooter, who was later apprehended, shouted “free, free Palestine” after the attack.

The victims, a young couple, were leaving an event at the museum when the shooting occurred. The police believe the incident was a targeted attack.

The shooting happened in an area with many tourist attractions, museums, and government buildings, including the FBI’s Washington field office. After opening fire, the shooter entered the museum and was detained by security.

The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum before he opened fire on a group of four people, killing the couple.

The police had no prior interactions with the suspect, and his background did not raise any concern.

The Israeli ambassador to the US shared that the couple had planned to get engaged. The male victim had purchased a ring and had planned to propose on a trip they had planned to Jerusalem.

According to an eyewitness, Katie Kalisher, she thought the shooter was in distress and needed help.

JoJo Kalin, a board member of the American Jewish Committee, who helped organize the event, felt guilty about what happened and emphasized the importance of self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump suggested that the killings were driven by antisemitism and called for an end to hatred and radicalism in the USA.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the responsible parties will be tracked down and brought to justice.

Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations condemned the incident as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and expressed confidence in strong action against the perpetrators.

The incident led to a significant police response and shutdown of several streets in the city.

The DC campus of Georgetown University was temporarily locked down due to the shooting.

One student reported being unable to leave their building for over an hour due to the lockdown.

The Capital Jewish Museum, like many Jewish institutions in the US, has faced concerns about security due to rising antisemitism.

Beatrice Gurwitz, the executive director of the museum, mentioned that they had received a grant to upgrade their security, partly because of a new exhibit on LGBT pride.

Ms. Gurwitz emphasized the importance of making the museum a welcoming and secure space for everyone.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the attack a “horrific act of terror” that the people of Israel are waking up to.