A tragic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening resulted in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staff members. Authorities have apprehended a suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, in connection with the attack.

The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the victims a man and a woman were gunned down near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets NW, just steps from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. According to Chief Pamela Smith, the shooter approached a group of four and suddenly opened fire, fatally wounding the two Israeli nationals. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez had been seen pacing in front of the museum prior to the incident.

Security inside the Capital Jewish Museum intervened shortly after the shooting began. Rodriguez reportedly entered the building after firing the shots and was stopped by onsite personnel. A video widely circulated on X captured him chanting “Free Palestine, Free Palestine” during his arrest.

FBI Investigating the Crime

The FBI is actively investigating the shooting to determine whether it constitutes a hate crime or act of terrorism. “The inquiry into the killings will look into ties to potential terrorism,” said Steve Jensen, associate director of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. He characterized the violence as a “heinous” act.

Reactions from both Israeli and U.S. officials were swift and forceful. Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: “I am devastated by the scenes in Washington DC. This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.” He continued, “Terror and hate will not break us.”

Former President Donald Trump also condemned the killings. Posting on Truth Social, he said, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”

Israeli Ambassador Shares the Victims Future Plans

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the victims were a couple and had plans for a future together. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he told reporters. “They were a beautiful couple.”

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the deaths via a post on X, stating, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

The shooting happened while the American Jewish Committee (AJC) was holding an event at the museum. Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, saying, “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue.”

Police Reached Immediately to the Crime Scene

Police and federal authorities responded quickly to the scene, securing the area and beginning their investigation. Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, was at the site shortly after the attack. Bondi later posted, “Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.”

The Israeli Embassy acknowledged the loss of its staff members but withheld further comment, only clarifying that the ambassador was not present during the time of the shooting. Their identities have not yet been made public.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, addressed the attack in strong terms, describing it as a “blatant act of cowardly, antisemitic violence.” He assured that those responsible would be held accountable.

Israeli Ambassador Takes the Incident to X

Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, denounced the killing as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” He posted on X, “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to provide further updates in an upcoming press conference. The shooting, taking place in a district dense with federal offices and museums, has sent shockwaves through both local and international communities.