कार्तिक २१, २०८२ / 2025-11-05
A gunman fatally shot two Israeli embassy staff members, a young couple, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, DC, late Wednesday evening in an apparent targeted attack, authorities said. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, allegedly shouted "free, free Palestine" after opening fire at 21:05 local time (01:05 GMT) and was detained by museum security.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith stated that Rodriguez paced outside the museum before shooting at a group of four, killing the couple. The victims, whose names have not been released, were leaving an event at the museum. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter revealed the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring, planning to propose during a trip to Jerusalem.
Chief Smith noted that police had no prior interactions with Rodriguez, and his background showed no red flags. Eyewitness Katie Kalisher told the BBC the suspect entered the museum looking distressed, initially mistaken for someone needing help.
The shooting, in a busy area near tourist sites and government buildings like the FBI’s Washington field office, prompted a major police response, closing several streets. Georgetown University’s DC campus was locked down for over an hour.
US President Donald Trump condemned the attack as antisemitic, writing on Truth Social, "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowed on X to "track down those responsible." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "heinous antisemitic" act, announcing increased security at Israeli embassies worldwide.
Israeli embassy spokesman Tal Naim Cohen confirmed the victims were shot at close range and expressed confidence in US authorities to protect Jewish communities. JoJo Kalin, an event organizer with the American Jewish Committee, expressed guilt but emphasized resilience, noting the event focused on self-determination for Israelis and Palestinians.
The Capital Jewish Museum, like many Jewish institutions, has faced heightened security concerns amid rising antisemitism. Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz recently highlighted a security grant, partly for an LGBT pride exhibit. US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee called the attack a "horrific act of terror" on X.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring the motive behind the attack.
