2 Israeli Embassy staffers shot to death in Washington D.C.; Suspect in custody

A young couple, both staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in what authorities are investigating as a targeted antisemitic attack.

The victims, a man and a woman set to be engaged next week in Jerusalem, were killed as they exited an American Jewish Committee event. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, was arrested and reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody, prompting a federal investigation led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The shooting occurred at 9:08 p.m. at 3rd and F Streets NW, near the FBI’s Washington field office, during the American Jewish Committee’s Young Diplomats Reception.

Tal Naim Cohen, an Israeli Embassy spokesperson, confirmed the victims were shot “at close range” as they left the event. D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, speaking at a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, revealed the couple’s poignant story: the man had purchased an engagement ring last week, planning to propose in Jerusalem. “The couple gunned down tonight in the name of ‘Free Palestine’ was a beautiful couple about to be engaged,” Smith said.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, speaking at the press conference, mourned the loss, calling the victims “bright stars of our embassy, cruelly taken from us.” He emphasized their dedication to Israel and their love for each other, noting, “Their dream of a life together was stolen in an act of hatred.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi, who visited the scene with interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, also spoke, vowing justice: “This horrific act of violence against diplomats and the Jewish community will not go unpunished. We stand with Israel and the victims’ families.” Bondi’s presence underscored the federal response, with the FBI and D.C. police working jointly to uncover the motive.

Chief Smith detailed the suspect’s actions: Rodriguez was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four, drawing a handgun, and fatally shooting the couple. After the attack, he entered the museum, requested water, and donned a red keffiyeh, chanting “Free, free Palestine” before security detained him.

Police recovered the discarded firearm after Rodriguez indicated its location. “The suspect is in custody, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety,” said FBI Director Kash Patel, who briefed President Trump on the incident.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Washington’s Jewish community and beyond. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon condemned it as “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” stating, “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We trust U.S. authorities to act decisively.” American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch expressed grief: “We are devastated that this unspeakable violence struck outside our event, and our hearts are with the victims’ families.”

The FBI is probing whether Rodriguez, a U.S. citizen from Chicago, acted alone or had accomplices, with early reports suggesting the attack was premeditated. The Capital Jewish Museum, a hub for celebrating Jewish heritage, had recently received security grants amid rising antisemitism concerns, a fear now tragically realized. “Jewish institutions face a climate of hate, and this underscores the urgency of our vigilance,” said museum director Beatrice Gurwitz.

Vigils are planned across the city, and the Israeli Embassy has lowered its flag to half-mast. The press conference, streamed live from D.C. Police Headquarters, concluded with calls for unity and justice, as Leiter urged, “Let their memory be a blessing, and let us stand firm against hate.”

President Donald Trump said that the horrific killings in Washington, resulting from antisemitism, must stop immediately. He also emphasized that hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA and offered condolences to the victims' families.