Two young Israeli embassy staffers, a couple reportedly on the verge of engagement, were fatally shot by a lone gunman on Wednesday night as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. A suspect is now in custody, Reuters reports citing authorities.
The shooting took place near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets in Northwest Washington, just over a mile from the White House.
According to Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, a man opened fire on a group of four people with a handgun, striking both victims.
Witnesses had seen the suspect pacing outside the museum before the attack.
The shooter, identified preliminarily as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, reportedly chanted "Free Palestine, Free Palestine" after his arrest.
Smith noted that the suspect entered the museum following the shooting, where he was detained by security personnel.
He later disclosed the location of the discarded weapon, which has been recovered. Authorities confirmed he has no prior criminal record or known interactions with law enforcement.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the male victim had recently bought an engagement ring and planned to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.
Former President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it an act of antisemitism. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" he posted on Truth Social, emphasizing that "hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed shock and sorrow over the killings. “My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman, whose lives were cut short by a heinous anti-Semitic murderer,” he said, adding that security at Israeli missions worldwide would be heightened.
Condemnations also came from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who vowed on X that the suspect would be brought to justice.
