Two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed Tuesday evening outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack potentially motivated by antisemitism.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, reportedly shouted “free, free Palestine” after being apprehended by law enforcement. The shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. near an FBI field office, adding a layer of complexity to the rapidly unfolding investigation.
Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the victims — one man and one woman — as they exited an event at the Jewish museum. Two additional Israeli Embassy employees were wounded in the attack, though their conditions haven’t been disclosed by officials.
Swift Response from Authorities
Local police responded immediately to the scene, with the Department of Homeland Security quickly taking a lead role in the investigation. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the tragedy in a statement, saying: “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC.”
Authorities were able to recover the weapon after Rodriguez reportedly indicated its location following his arrest. The FBI and other federal agencies have joined the investigation, suggesting the shooting could potentially be classified as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism.
Why would someone target Israeli diplomatic staff? That question now sits at the center of the investigation, though the suspect’s reported comments suggest a political motivation connected to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Reactions Pour In
Former President Donald Trump responded to the shooting with strong condemnation: “These terrible killings in D.C., clearly motivated by antisemitism, must cease immediately. … My condolences go out to the victims’ families. It is tragic that such events can occur. God Bless You ALL!”
The Israeli Embassy in Washington, still reeling from the loss of two staffers, released a statement through spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen expressing confidence in American authorities: “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.”
Security has been heightened at Jewish institutions across the capital and other major cities following the attack. The Capital Jewish Museum, which opened relatively recently, has canceled all scheduled events for the remainder of the week.
The shooting marks one of the most serious attacks on foreign diplomatic personnel on American soil in recent memory. While embassies and consulates have sophisticated security protocols, staff members are often more vulnerable when attending external events.
As investigators piece together the suspect’s movements and motivations, the diplomatic community in Washington remains on edge — a stark reminder that even in the heart of America’s capital, the tensions of global conflicts can erupt into deadly violence.