Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in what officials are calling a potential anti-Semitic act of violence.
The victims — a man and a woman — were leaving an event at the museum when they were shot at close range, according to D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith and the Israeli Embassy. The incident occurred around 9:08 p.m. near the museum and the FBI’s Washington field office.
The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was quickly taken into custody by law enforcement. According to Chief Smith, Rodriguez attempted to enter the museum after the shooting but was stopped by security. Once in custody, he reportedly chanted “Free, Free Palestine” and directed police to the location of the weapon he allegedly discarded.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed during a press conference that the victims were a couple planning to get engaged, sharing that the man had recently bought an engagement ring to propose in Jerusalem.
“This was a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” said Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the U.N. “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line.”
Officials confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Federal and Local Response
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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the violence, promising: “We will not tolerate this hate or terrorism in our city.”
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FBI agents are working with Metropolitan Police at the scene.
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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro visited the site shortly after the shooting.
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DHS Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to bring the “depraved perpetrator to justice.”
Event and Community Impact
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) confirmed it hosted the event at the museum. CEO Ted Deutch expressed devastation and support for the victims’ families.
President Donald Trump reportedly called the Israeli ambassador on Wednesday night to pledge U.S. support in the fight against anti-Semitism.
The victims’ names have not been released as authorities continue notifying next of kin.
The FBI, Homeland Security, and D.C. police are actively investigating the shooting, which has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish communities and diplomatic personnel across the U.S.
