Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night, in what officials are calling a targeted and deeply disturbing act of anti-Semitic violence.
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the shooting occurred just after 9 p.m. near the intersection of Third Street and F Street Northwest, a short distance from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, who was taken into custody at the scene.
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Victims ambushed after Jewish heritage event
According to police chief Pamela A. Smith, the two victims—an adult male and an adult female—were found unconscious and not breathing when officers arrived. Despite efforts from DC Fire and EMS, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims, reportedly a couple on the verge of engagement, were leaving a private event hosted at the Capital Jewish Museum by the American Jewish Committee. The Israeli ambassador to the United States confirmed their affiliation with the Israeli Embassy.
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Prior to the attack, Rodriguez was seen pacing back and forth outside the venue. Authorities say he approached a small group of four individuals before opening fire at close range with a handgun. After firing, he entered the museum and was subdued by event security. While in custody, he reportedly revealed the location of the discarded weapon, which was later recovered by police.
Motive under investigation amid chants of “free palestine”
Though Elias Rodriguez had no prior criminal history or known affiliation with extremist groups, police noted that while in custody, he chanted “Free free Palestine.” Officials are now working to determine whether the shooting was politically or ideologically motivated.
“There is no active threat to the community,” Chief Smith said during a late-night press conference. “We believe the shooter acted alone.”
Reactions from Israeli and US officials
The Israeli government reacted swiftly and forcefully. Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the attack as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” while Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, said the victims were shot “at close range” while attending the cultural event.
“We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” Cohen said in a statement.
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Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, confirmed that the organisation was hosting the event at the time of the shooting. “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he said. “Our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”
federal authorities pledge full response
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also confirmed the victims’ identities as Israeli Embassy staff. “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims,” she said. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke at a press conference shortly after the attack, revealing that she had been in direct contact with United States president Donald Trump throughout the evening. Bondi promised a coordinated federal response and announced that US Attorney Jeanine Pirro would lead the prosecution.
“On behalf of the president, his prayers are with all of us, all of the Jewish community, everyone in Washington, D.C., and our law enforcement partners,” Bondi said. “We will do everything in our power to keep all citizens safe, especially tonight, our Jewish community.”
President trump: “hatred must end”
President Trump issued a personal statement on Truth Social later that night, calling for an end to antisemitic violence.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” he wrote. “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.”
Community reassured amid rising tensions
Mayor Muriel Bowser echoed the president’s message, offering reassurance to residents and visitors. “There is no active threat in our community,” she said. “We’re going to stand together in the coming days and weeks to send the clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism.”
As investigators piece together the full context behind the shooting, the city’s Jewish community is grappling with grief, fear, and the painful reminder of rising hate-based violence in the United States.
The Metropolitan Police Department is leading the investigation with support from federal agencies. A formal arraignment for Elias Rodriguez is expected within days, as authorities prepare to bring federal hate crime and terrorism-related charges.
