“Free, Free Palestine”: Suspect Chants During Shooting of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, according to a statement from the Washington Police Department. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum before the incident and was detained by event security. During his arrest, Rodriguez repeatedly chanted “Free, Free Palestine,” according to police chief Pamela Smith.
Smith spoke at a news conference, stating that the two victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and began shooting. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect was in custody and that the incident occurred near the Jewish museum.
The shooting has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling the incident “based on antisemitism” and expressing his condolences to the victims’ families. Trump emphasized the need to end such violence, stating, “These horrible DC 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!”
According to the Israeli embassy spokesperson, the ambassador was not present at the location during the time of the shooting. The embassy confirmed that the incident did not involve any of its staff or facilities. The Israeli government has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident, but the attack has raised concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in the United States.
Law enforcement officials are still investigating the motive behind the shooting. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, is currently in custody and is being processed for the charges related to the incident. Authorities have not yet released details about the suspect’s background or any potential connections to hate groups or extremist organizations.
The attack has led to heightened security measures at Jewish institutions and events in the Washington, D.C. area. Local officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The incident has also prompted a broader discussion about the role of hate speech and radical ideologies in inciting violence against Jewish communities in the United States.
As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on supporting the victims’ families and ensuring that such tragedies do not occur again. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities in the United States and the importance of addressing the root causes of hate and violence.