Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in the United States were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening. Authorities detained a 30-year-old suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, who allegedly chanted “Free, free, Palestine” while in custody. Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack, stating that her administration would not tolerate “violence or hate in our city.”
According to Pamela A. Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of people and opening fire. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter described the victims as a “beautiful couple” who had been planning to get married.
US President Donald Trump expressed condolences to the families of the victims, attributing the killings to antisemitism. US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said federal authorities were investigating the attack and would bring the perpetrator to justice. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Israeli missions worldwide to increase security following the attack.
In a post on X, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said “we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said security at Israeli embassies around the world would be stepped up following the shooting.
“My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman, whose lives were cut short by a heinous antisemitic murderer,” he said.
“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against the state of Israel.”
Security expert Richard Weitz described the attack as a “well-planned assassination,” noting that the gunman targeted Israeli diplomats. The incident has sparked concerns about security flaws and potential foreign connections. The American Jewish Committee, which had hosted an event at the museum, condemned the attack as an “unspeakable act of violence.”