On Wednesday night, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, were killed in a shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum. The incident occurred following an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the museum. According to the Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, approached a group of four people and opened fire, fatally striking two individuals described as a young couple about to be engaged. The suspect was apprehended by event security after entering the museum and was found to be chanting "Free, Free Palestine" while in custody.

The shooting has sparked outrage and condemnation from both US and Israeli officials. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and denounced the act as one of antisemitism, stating that "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Israeli President Isaac Herzog conveyed his devastation and emphasized the united stance of the US and Israel in defending their people and shared values. Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, have also condemned the violence and vowed to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect initially pretended to be a witness before claiming responsibility for the shooting, stating he "did it for Gaza." The victims were leaving an event at the museum, identified as the American Jewish Committee’s “Young Diplomats Reception,” which aimed to bring together young Jewish professionals and the diplomatic community. The event's theme was “turning pain into purpose.”

Law enforcement officials, including the FBI, are actively investigating the incident. US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that federal agencies are collaborating with DC authorities to ensure the safety of citizens, particularly the Jewish community. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured the public that there is no active threat, while the Israeli Embassy is cooperating with law enforcement. The suspect, who had no prior contact with the police, is currently being interviewed by the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police and the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces.

The Capital Jewish Museum, which recently opened its new building, is located near the FBI’s Washington Field Office. The shooting occurred near 3rd Street and F Street Northwest. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has spoken with US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who conveyed his condolences and confirmed that an intensive investigation is underway.