2 Israeli embassy staff killed in DC shooting outside Jewish museum

In a shocking act of violence near the heart of the U.S. capital, two Israeli embassy employees were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night.

The victims, a young married couple whose names have not yet been released, were targeted while leaving an evening event hosted at the museum, according to DC police.

The shooting occurred at approximately 9:05 p.m. local time, in a densely populated area filled with museums, federal buildings, and tourist attractions — just blocks from the FBI’s Washington field office.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed at a news conference that the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, shouted “Free, free Palestine” following the attack.

He was quickly apprehended by security after entering the museum.

“This appears to be a targeted incident,” Chief Smith stated. “The suspect was observed pacing outside the museum before opening fire on a group of four individuals. Tragically, two of them — the couple — were killed at the scene.”

The suspect is currently in custody and is being questioned by local authorities and federal agents. Law enforcement officials are investigating possible motives, including political or ideological extremism. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have joined the probe.

Israeli officials have condemned the attack as a “terrorist act” and are working with American counterparts to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The Israeli embassy in Washington issued a brief statement expressing “profound sorrow” over the deaths and calling for increased protection of diplomatic staff.

The area surrounding the museum was cordoned off late into the night as forensic teams and federal agents combed the site for evidence.

President Biden, speaking from the White House early Thursday morning, denounced the shooting, saying, “This heinous act of violence has no place on our streets.

We stand in solidarity with our Israeli friends and remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety of all communities.”

The names of the victims will be released pending notification of next of kin. Authorities have not confirmed whether the couple had previously received threats.

The Capital Jewish Museum, which only opened to the public in 2023, temporarily closed its doors on Thursday and canceled all events for the remainder of the week.