Two Israeli Embassy Staff Members Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting; Suspect in Custody

Two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are investigating as a potential hate crime or act of terrorism, as per Fox News.

Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that officers responded to multiple emergency calls at around 9:08 p.m. near the museum, where an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) was underway.

Upon arrival, officers found a man and a woman unresponsive outside the building. Despite attempts by first responders to revive them, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was arrested shortly after the attack. Authorities say Rodriguez acted alone and his firearm was recovered at the scene. Witnesses reported that he had been pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people and opening fire.

Rodriguez allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!” while being taken into custody by event security inside the museum, Smith said.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack, calling it “horrific” and assuring the public that there is no ongoing threat. “We will not tolerate violence, terrorism, or antisemitism in our city,” she said.

According to Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, the victims were diplomats who were shot at close range. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the two were in a romantic relationship and had plans to get engaged in Jerusalem next week.

The AJC event targeted in the attack was attended by young Jewish professionals and focused on humanitarian solutions for Gaza.

Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, are actively investigating the shooting. FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen said the bureau is probing potential hate crime and terrorism motives behind what he described as a “heinous crime.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed condolences to the victims’ families and vowed justice. “Please pray for the families,” she posted on X. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

At the United Nations, Israel’s Ambassador Danny Danon called the killings a “depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” stressing the need for strong action and the protection of Jewish communities worldwide.