2 Israeli embassy staff members fatally shot near Jewish museum in DC

USA Today

22-05-2025

2 Israeli embassy staff members fatally shot near Jewish museum in DC
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Two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington were fatally shot on May 21 as they exited the Capital Jewish Museum, authorities and officials said.
Police received calls reporting a shooting shortly after 9 p.m. ET, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. Responding officers discovered one man and one woman unconscious and not breathing at the scene.
"D.C. fire and EMS responded, and despite all life-saving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries," Smith said.
A preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were exiting an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum located in Washington when the shooting occurred, according to Smith. Investigators believe one shooter was behind the attack.
The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing back and forth outside the museum before the shooting, Smith said. Rodriguez then approached a group of four people and opened fire, striking the two victims.
Rodriguez later entered the museum and was detained by event security, according to Smith. When taken into custody, Rodriguez shouted "Free, free Palestine," Smith added.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser decried the shooting, noting the incident will instill fear among the community and people across the country.
"I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city," Bowser said during the news conference. "We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we're going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism."
Israeli embassy spokesperson: Staff members were shot at 'close range'
When asked if authorities were aware of any threats, Smith said police did not receive "any intelligence with respect to any type of terrorist act or hate crime in our city."
The FBI field office in Washington said it was at the scene with the Metropolitan Police Department. The agency noted that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, said on X that two staff members were shot at "close range" while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum, a historical society and museum that focuses on the history of the Jewish experience in Washington D.C. and the surrounding metropolitan areas.
"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.
Yechiel Leiter, Israeli ambassador to the United States, said the two victims killed were a "young couple about to be engaged."
"The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem," Leiter said at the news conference. "They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural center."
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Trump: 'Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA'
President Donald Trump took to social media and suggested the killings were driven by antisemitism.
"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" Trump said on Truth Social. "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 President Isaac Herzog said on social media that he was 'devastated' by the scenes in Washington.
'This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy,' Herzog said. "Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured. I send my full support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff.'
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X that federal authorities are investigating the incident.
"Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC," Noem. "Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice."
Danny Danon, Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the shooting.
"Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line,' Danon said on X. 'We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.'
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington said in a statement that the organization is horrified by the shooting and "mourn the loss of the two individuals killed in the attack."
"Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence," the federation said, adding that it was working with law enforcement and other Jewish organizations to "gain a fuller picture of what transpired."
Shooting comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas
The shooting comes amid growing criticism against Israel after it announced plans to intensify its military campaign against Hamas and to control Gaza, which has been devastated by air and ground operations.
More than 53,000 people have been killed and nearly all residents in Gaza have been displaced since the start of the war, according to local health authorities.
The war has increased tensions between Israel and much of the international community. Incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia have also surged across the United States, putting law enforcement agencies on high alert.
(This story was updated to add new information.)