A tragic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy employees late Thursday night, shaking both diplomatic and local communities. The victims, a young couple reportedly planning their engagement, were fatally shot by a gunman identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.
The suspect allegedly opened fire on a group of four individuals just after 9pm, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Security personnel quickly subdued Rodriguez inside the museum, moments after the attack. Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that the suspect shouted “Free, free Palestine” while being taken into custody, suggesting political overtones to the violent act.
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Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter described the victims as “full of life and hope,” revealing that one had recently purchased an engagement ring. The incident occurred in one of Washington’s most secure zones, triggering a lockdown around the area and drawing a massive police response. Georgetown University was also temporarily closed as a precaution.
Though the investigation is still underway, US and Israeli officials are treating the incident as a targeted act of antisemitism. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the killings, calling them a hateful and cowardly attack on the Jewish community. In Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog offered condolences and reaffirmed unity between the US and Israel.
Federal agencies have assumed control of the investigation, as security concerns rise at Jewish institutions nationwide. Leaders across both countries have vowed that neither terror nor hate will silence their communities or values.
