tIsraeli embassy staff were killed in a shooting Wednesday night, outside an event held by the U.S. Jewish Commission at the capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., just about a mile from the White House and the U.S. Capitol.
“We are frustrated that unspeakable violence has occurred outside the venue,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said in a statement. “At this moment, as we wait for more information from the police, what exactly happened, our attention and heart are entirely on the people who were hurt and their families.”
About local time, about three hours after the shooting, officials provided preliminary information about the attack, including detailed information about the victims; the suspects in custody; and ongoing investigations. Officials said there was no positive threat.
That's all we know so far.
Who is the victim?
The shooting occurred in the Northwest Third and F Street areas, killing a man and a woman who have not been publicly identified. Others, including employees of the Israeli embassy, were injured.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X that the two were killed were "staff of the Israeli embassy", Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said in a news briefing that the victims were a young couple who were about to interact with them and they were attending the event with guests.
What do we know about the suspect?
Police believe the shooting was committed by a criminal suspect who was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago.
Smith said the suspect was seen stepping back and forth outside the museum building, then approached a group of four, produced a pistol and fired. The suspect then entered the museum after the shooting, and, according to an eyewitness who spoke to CNN, initially claimed to be a witness and then admitted to being a shooter. According to officials, Rodriguez chanted “free, free Palestine” and was then detained safely by the activity. He is now detained by police.
Smith will not comment on Rodriguez's motivation in an ongoing investigation, but said Rodriguez was not on the police's radar before the attack.
How did Israel react?
In an article on X, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon described the shooting as a "degenerate anti-Semitism act."
"We are confident that the U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this crime," Danon added. "Israel will continue to act firmly to protect its citizens and representatives, anywhere in the world."
"The people of Israel are resilient people, and the United States of America is resilient people. We will not be afraid," Wright said in the briefing. "Together, we will stand up and we will overcome the moral depravity of people who think they will gain political gains through murder."
What is the response from the United States?
President Donald Trump posted a social network on “Truth”: “These terrible DC killings are clearly based on anti-Semitism and must end, now! Hate and activism have no place in the United States. Condolences to the families of victims. So sadly, something like this can happen! God bless everyone!”
Leiter said in a briefing that he was on the phone with President Donald Trump, assured him: “His administration will do everything possible to fight and end anti-Semitism and the hate being directed and demonized and derogatory to the State of Israel.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said she visited the shooting. “Pray for the victims of this violence as we work hard to learn more,” Bondy said in the briefing.
Bondy added that local, state and federal agencies “will do everything they can to ensure the safety of all citizens, especially tonight, our Jewish community.”
"We will follow the facts, we will comply with the law, and the defendant is charged with prosecution to the maximum extent," Bondy said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X: "We are most likely to condemn the Israeli embassy for murdering two employees in Washington, D.C. Our prayers pray with loved ones. It is a timid, anti-Semitic act of violence. There is no doubt. There is no doubt: We will undoubtedly track down those responsible and bring justice."
What is the status of the investigation?
Steve Jensen, assistant director of the FBI's Washington Field Office, said in a briefing that the FBI is investigating "links based on prejudice-based crime or hate crimes."
All homicides in Washington, D.C. are indicted by U.S. D.C. Attorneys, a former Trump-appointed judge and Fox News host Jeanine Pirro has held since last week.
Smith said police received no information before the shooting
"We have a long history and many practices in cities that have a relationship with Jewish organizations about security and protection of Jewish organizations around us, and we have watched global events, national events and local events," Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a briefing. "Our organizations work directly with MPD and MPD and respond with other resources, so I know the Chief will spend tonight and tomorrow, and we will work with all our organizations, from schools to synagogues to other organizations."