Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. were shot and killed while leaving the event at the capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night. According to police, the suspect was arrested and shouted "Free, Free Palestine".
The victim was an unnamed man and a woman when the suspect was identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, approaching and opening fire. The event was chaired by the American Jewish Committee.
"The American Jewish Council (AJC) can confirm that we held an event tonight at the capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We are shocked that Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Council, said in a statement. "At this moment, as we wait for more information from the police, please ask exactly what happened, our attention and hearts are totally on the people who were hurt and their families." ”
DC Police Chief Pamela A. Smith was detained on the site before police arrived and is currently in police custody.
Smith confirmed that police had “no previous interactions” with the suspect. She added: "We can't see anything in his background that would put him on our radar. Our Joint Terrorism Task Force is working closely with the FBI to ensure we can delve into his background."
Israeli ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter told reporters that the two killed were a young couple about to get engaged. "The young man bought a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend in Jerusalem next week," Wright said. "They are a beautiful couple."
President Donald Trump responded to his Truth Society incident, writing: "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 the victims. So sadly, something like this can happen! God bless you!"
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she visited the shooting. "Pray for the victims of this violence as we work hard to learn more," Bondy wrote on X.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement that his scenes against Washington, D.C. "It is a mean act of hate, anti-Semitism, which has taken the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy," Herzog said. "Our hearts are with the loved ones of the murdered, and our direct prayers are hurt. I go all out to provide full support to the ambassador and all embassy staff. We stand with the Jewish community in Washington, D.C. and the entire United States. The United States and Israel will unite to defend our people, our people and our shared values. Terror and hatred will not break us."
The shooting happened as conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated in recent weeks. Israel has been blocking aid to Gaza since March, resulting in a lack of food and medical assistance in the region. Last night, the United Nations had sent "about 90 trucks of merchandise" to Gaza, but that was only a small part of what it needed to prevent an imminent famine. Israeli troops have also been renowned for attacks on Gaza with military force, including hospitals, schools and shelters, killing dozens of people every day.
According to Jojo Kalin, a member of the American Jewish Commission, the activities of the Jewish Capital Museum focus on how to help the people of Gaza. "I will not lose humanity for this, nor will I be stopped," she said. "And both Israelis and Palestinians deserve self-determination, and (this is something we are discussing deeply ironic. It's the construction of the bridge.
This story is developing