A 30-year-old man is in police custody following a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night that left two Israeli embassy staff members dead.
The suspect, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, opened fire on a group of four individuals leaving a private event at the museum, which is located near the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
A man and a woman, described by officials as a young couple on the verge of engagement, were killed in the attack.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting.
After firing on the group, he entered the building, where he was subdued by event security and taken into custody.
Witnesses reported that the suspect shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” as he was arrested.
Authorities confirmed he was not on any known security watchlists and no specific threat warnings had been issued in advance.
A firearm was recovered at the scene. There is no ongoing threat to the public, police added.
The victims, both members of the Israeli embassy staff, were attending a Jewish cultural event when the attack occurred. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the pair were a young couple with plans to become engaged.
“This is a devastating loss. They were full of promise and served our country with pride,” Ambassador Leiter said.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, confirmed the victims were targeted at close range.
“We have full faith in local and federal law enforcement to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected,” she said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog strongly condemned the attack, calling it “a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism.”
“Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered. We send our full support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff,” Herzog said in a statement from Jerusalem.
U.S. President Donald Trump also addressed the tragedy via Truth Social, writing: “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!”
Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who were at the scene, said they remained in contact with the president throughout the night.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal authorities are supporting the investigation.
“While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, please pray for the victims and their families,” he posted on X.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called for unity and resilience: “We’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send the clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism. There is no active threat in our community.”
Just last week, the Capital Jewish Museum had received a grant as part of a $500,000 program to bolster security at local nonprofits amid rising concerns over targeted hate crimes.
The attack has reignited fears of growing antisemitic violence in the U.S. amid heightened tensions worldwide.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into the suspect’s motives and possible connections.
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