8 hours ago
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New Delhi:
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near the Jewish Museum, in an incident described by Israeli officials as " a depraved act of anti-semitic terrorism." Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old man from Chicago, identified as Elias Rodriguez, who witnesses say shouted "Free, free Palestine" as he was taken into custody.
The shooting occurred just steps from the FBI's Washington Field Office, located in Northwest DC. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths in a post on X, stating that an active investigation is underway and that federal authorities are coordinating with local law enforcement to determine the full circumstances.
"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<" Ms Noem posted on X.
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.
The identities of the victims have not been made public, but local reports claim that both individuals were affiliated with the Israeli diplomatic mission in the United States. The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but has not released a statement beyond confirming that the ambassador was not present at the time of the attack.
US President Donald Trump, responding on Truth Social, condemned the killings by saying, "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!"
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attack a "despicable act of hatred" and expressed solidarity with Jewish communities in the United States. "Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered. Terror and hate will not break us," he said.
FBI director Kash Patel said that he has been briefed about the shooting.
"My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we're working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated as we are able," he said in a statement.
My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we're working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 22, 2025The Washington DC police responded to the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. A police spokesperson said officers were securing the perimeter around the museum and are searching for witnesses and surveillance footage.
According to reports, the Capital Jewish Museum, which opened in its current location in 2023, was hosting an event organised by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the time of the shooting. The AJC's CEO, Ted Deutch, issued a statement, saying, "We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue."
US Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were reportedly at the scene shortly after the incident. Ms Bondi posted on social media that authorities are coordinating a full federal response and would brief the public as more information becomes available.
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack on X, describing it as a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism."
English (US) ·