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Washington, DC, May 22, 2025: Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, a man and a woman, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, May 21, 2025. The incident occurred around 9:05 p.m. local time as the victims were exiting a Jewish event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum, located near 3rd and F Streets in Northwest DC, an area with significant tourist and government presence, including the FBI’s Washington field office.
According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people, including the victims, and opening fire at close range. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts by emergency responders. Rodriguez entered the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security. While in custody, he reportedly chanted “Free Palestine” and implied he committed the act, according to police reports.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the victims were Israeli Embassy staff, stating on X, “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.” Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the victims were a young couple planning to get engaged, with the man having purchased a ring to propose in Jerusalem the following week.
The Israeli Embassy’s spokesperson, Tal Naim Cohen, condemned the attack, stating, “Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum. We have full faith in law enforcement authorities to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States.” Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon labeled the incident a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” while Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed devastation, calling it a “despicable act of hatred.”
US authorities, including the FBI and DC Police, are investigating the shooting as a possible targeted attack motivated by antisemitism. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized, “We will not tolerate antisemitism or acts of terrorism in our city.” The Capital Jewish Museum, which recently received a security grant due to rising antisemitism concerns, expressed deep sorrow over.
AI/MR
