Disclaimer: This article contains description of crime that may be distressing to some reader. Please proceed with caution.
In a tragic turn of events, two Israeli embassy staffers lost their lives to gunfire on Wednesday evening outside the Capital Jewish Museum, in Washington D.C. According to the Mirror US, the victims were leaving after attending an event at the museum, which is situated barely a yard away from the FBI’s D.C. field office.
At that time, the shooter began shooting while engaging with a few more individuals. The attack took place around 9:08 p.m., according to the police reports. Pamela Smith, the Metropolitan Police Chief, announced during a press conference that the suspect, named Elias Rodriguez, 30, has been apprehended.
“We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody. Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents,” Smith said.
The Metropolitan Police Chief added that following the shooting, Rodriguez allegedly entered the Jewish Museum and was shortly detained by the event security officials. Later, he confessed where he stashed the weapon, which was later recovered by authorities.
“He implied that he committed the offense. The suspect chanted Free Free Palestine while in custody, the suspect has been tentatively identified as 30 year old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois,” Smith told the reporters during the news briefing.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed that the victims were employees with the Israeli embassy. However, details about their positions, or even their names, were not revealed.
BREAKING: Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside of an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said.
Read more: https://t.co/0FwGE8OdUg pic.twitter.com/Mx11vMzPPC
— ABC News (@ABC) May 22, 2025
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” Noem said.
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said, “It’s a young couple about to be engaged. The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi relayed a message from Donald Trump during the press conference. “I spoke to the President of the United States multiple times tonight and on behalf of the President, his prayers are with all of us, all of the Jewish community, everyone in Washington, DC, state, local and federal agencies.”
On Truth Social, the Republican leader posted, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!.”
Donald Trump Truth Social 05.22.25 12:11 AM EST
These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You…
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 22, 2025
Danny Danon, an Israeli Ambassador to the UN, called the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
The investigation has been taken up by multiple law enforcement bodies, including the FBI, US Capitol Police, and the Maryland Police Department.
According to various social media users, this is Elias Rodriguez, 30, who has been named the prime suspect in the Washington D.C. shooting.
Washington D. C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured that despite the shooting, there is no ongoing threat to the public, specially the Jewish community.
