Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Shot Dead Outside Jewish Museum in Apparent Antisemitic Attack

AFP | Washington

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A tragic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington late Wednesday night has left two Israeli embassy staffers dead, in what authorities have described as a hate-motivated attack.

The victims, a young couple who were engaged to be married, were gunned down on the sidewalk as the museum hosted a private social event for young professionals and diplomatic staff. Witnesses and police said the attacker shouted "Free Palestine" before opening fire.

Authorities quickly identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago. He was apprehended shortly after the shooting by museum security and later handed over to police. A firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was located based on information provided by Rodriguez.

Antisemitic Motive Suspected

"This horrific act of violence appears to be fueled by antisemitism and hatred toward the State of Israel," said Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith in a press briefing. “The suspect was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four individuals, producing a handgun, and firing multiple shots. He then entered the museum, where he was detained without further incident.”

First responders found the victims — a man and a woman — unconscious and not breathing. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.

International Condemnation

The attack has sparked outrage and mourning both in the United States and Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the killings in a post on social media, calling them "horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism." He added, “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also issued a statement, expressing deep sorrow and anger. “We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and the wild incitement against the State of Israel,” he said. “My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman, whose lives were abruptly cut short by a despicable antisemitic murderer.”

Netanyahu also announced an immediate boost in security measures at Israeli missions worldwide.

Targeted During Peaceful Gathering

The attack occurred during an event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), intended to foster unity among young Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.

“We are devastated that two cherished friends and partners from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed as they left an AJC event,” said Ted Deutch, CEO of the AJC. “It strongly appears this was an attack motivated by hate against the Jewish people and the Jewish state. This senseless hate and violence must stop.”

The Capital Jewish Museum, located just over a mile from the White House and in close proximity to the U.S. Capitol, has become a symbolic venue for cultural and diplomatic gatherings. The sudden violence has shaken the local community and heightened concerns about rising hate crimes in the U.S.

As investigations continue, authorities have called for calm and vigilance. Community leaders and international figures have urged unity in the face of growing extremism.