The Bulletin May 22, 2025
The rundown: Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, by a suspect who shouted "free, free Palestine" as he was arrested, police said. Find out more about the incident.
Why it matters: Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting, and was detained by event security. Smith said authorities believe the gunman acted alone. Around 9:08 p.m., calls came in to police regarding the shooting, according to the chief, saying one adult male and one adult female were pronounced dead. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the suspect "a vile antisemitic murderer" in a statement released by his office, and said he was increasing security for Israeli officials all around the world.
Read more in-depth coverage:
Trump Responds to Israeli Embassy Staff Killings in DC: 'Must End'
TL/DR: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a news conference late Wednesday night said that she will not tolerate acts of antisemitism in the city, adding that the deadly gunfire may frighten a lot of people.
What happens now? Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X, '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.'
Deeper reading Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC Shooting: 'Antisemitic Terrorism'
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