“Free, free Palestine”: Suspect screams after gunning down 2 Israeli embassy staffers in Washington
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, according to authorities. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting and was later detained by event security. While in custody, the suspect repeatedly chanted “Free, Free Palestine,” accordingity to Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith.
Smith said at a news conference that the two victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect walked up to a group of four people and began shooting. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and secured the area. Rodriguez was taken into custody and is currently under investigation.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling the attack “based on antisemitism” and urging authorities to take decisive action against hate-driven violence. “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, now! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The Israeli ambassador was not involved in the incident and was not present at the location during the time of the shooting, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy confirmed. The embassy has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of such violence.
The attack has raised questions about the safety of Jewish institutions in the United States and the broader threat of hate crimes. Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect’s motive or any potential connection to extremist groups. However, the chanting of “Free Palestine” has led to speculation about the suspect’s affiliations and the possible influence of far-right or radical ideologies.
Local law enforcement has launched an investigation into the incident, and the community is rallying to support the victims’ families. The Capital Jewish Museum has also issued a statement expressing its condolences and reaffirming its commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities in the United States, particularly in urban centers where tensions can escalate rapidly. Experts have called for increased security measures and a broader conversation about the role of misinformation and radicalization in fueling such attacks.
As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on healing and preventing future incidents. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, unity, and the need to combat the forces that drive hate and violence.