In a harrowing incident that has shocked the nation, a man opened fire on a group of individuals outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, resulting in the deaths of two staff members from the Israeli embassy. The attack occurred around 9 PM local time as the victims, a young couple, were exiting the museum after enjoying an evening event.

According to Washington Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect was seen pacing restlessly near the museum shortly before the shooting. He approached a group of four people, brandished a handgun, and opened fire, fatally striking both victims. Following the attack, the suspect entered the museum where security personnel promptly detained him.

Chief Smith revealed that the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was heard chanting “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. This statement has raised concerns regarding the motives behind the attack, although police have yet to provide concrete details regarding his intentions or whether he was part of a larger conspiracy.

The Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, expressed his grief over the loss of the young couple, noting that the man had recently purchased an engagement ring with plans to propose to his girlfriend. “They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural centre,” he said, highlighting the personal and tragic nature of the incident.

In the wake of the shooting, U.S. Attorney-General Pam Bondi and Ambassador Leiter visited the site to pay their respects. President Donald Trump also reached out to Ambassador Leiter, assuring him that his administration would strive to combat antisemitism and the hatred directed at Israel. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump condemned the killings as a manifestation of antisemitism and called for an end to such acts of violence, stating, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”

The American Jewish Committee's CEO, Ted Deutch, shared his devastation on social media, mentioning that the couple was attacked outside an event hosted by the committee, which underscores the growing concern surrounding safety at public events. “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he wrote.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also reacted to the tragic incident, stating, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC.” She assured the public that investigations were underway and urged citizens to pray for the victims’ families, while vowing to bring the perpetrator to justice.

The Capital Jewish Museum is situated in close proximity to the FBI's field office, raising questions about security protocols in the area. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his sorrow over the event, labeling it as a “despicable act of hatred, of anti-Semitism,” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He mentioned the importance of supporting the embassy staff during this difficult time.

Calling the attack a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, emphasized that Israel would take necessary actions to protect its citizens and representatives worldwide. Although police have yet to disclose any potential motives for the shooting, Danon expressed confidence that U.S. authorities would respond decisively to this crime.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that his team was briefed on the incident and is collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Department as they work to gather more information. He urged the public to pray for the victims and their families during this traumatic time.