Washington DC, May 22, 2025 — Two Israeli embassy employees were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC on Wednesday evening in a targeted attack, authorities confirmed. The suspect reportedly shouted “free, free Palestine” during the shooting before being detained by police.
The victims, described as a young couple, were leaving an event at the museum when the shooting occurred around 9:05 PM local time (01:05 GMT). Washington DC police said the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum prior to opening fire on a group of four people, killing the couple.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith stated that the suspect was stopped by security inside the museum after the attack. “We have not had any prior interactions with the suspect,” she added, noting that there was nothing in his background that had placed him on law enforcement’s radar.
Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, shared during a press conference that the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to his partner during a future trip to Jerusalem. The victims’ names have not been released.
Eyewitness Katie Kalisher recounted hearing gunshots and seeing a distressed man entering the museum, initially thought to be seeking help. JoJo Kalin, a board member of the American Jewish Committee and event organizer, expressed sorrow but emphasized resilience, stating the importance of self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it an act driven by antisemitism. “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he wrote on his social media platform.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged justice, stating authorities would “track down those responsible and bring them to justice.” Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, described the incident as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” urging strong action from US authorities.
The shooting prompted a significant police response, with several streets closed and a temporary lockdown of Georgetown University’s DC campus. Students reported being confined to their buildings for over an hour.
The Capital Jewish Museum, which recently upgraded its security amid rising antisemitism, has faced ongoing security challenges. Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz highlighted concerns shared by Jewish institutions nationwide, particularly due to increasing hate crimes.
Israeli embassy spokesman Tal Naim Cohen confirmed the victims were shot at close range during the museum event and expressed confidence in US authorities to safeguard Israeli representatives and Jewish communities across the country.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Ambassador Leiter visited the shooting site on Thursday to pay respects and oversee the ongoing investigation.
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