Two staff members at the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum by an assailant who shouted “free, free Palestine” after he was arrested.
Condemnation and Investigation
The attack outside an event at the Jewish Museum in Washington drew widespread condemnation, including from President Donald Trump.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said federal authorities were investigating the attack.
Details of the Attack
Pamela A. Smith, chief of police for the DC Metropolitan Police Department, said in a press conference that a single suspect approached a group of four people exiting the museum and fired his handgun, striking two of them. He then entered the museum, where he was detained by event security. The suspect, tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, chanted “free, free Palestine,” while in custody, she said.
Official Responses
Attorney General Pam Bondi and interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting. Bondi expressed condolences and stated that the president’s prayers are with the victims and the community.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, labeled the shooting as a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism and called for strong action against the perpetrators.
Community Reactions
Recent incidents targeting the Jewish community have raised concerns about rising antisemitism. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed solidarity and prayers for the victims and their families.
In a separate incident in April, a suspect targeted Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the Jewish community.
