Israeli Embassy Workers Shot Dead In U.S By Palestine Supporter
Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead late Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the U.S. capital, Washington, DC, during an event to promote unity and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Authorities identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, who allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” while being detained.
Police say Rodriguez approached a small group outside the museum and opened fire at close range, killing the two diplomats. The weapon used has since been recovered.
The couple who were reportedly on the verge of engagement, had just left a private event organized by the American Jewish Committee for young Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.
According to organisers, the event is themed “turning pain into purpose” and included discussions on building coalitions for humanitarian relief, including in Gaza.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter confirmed the couple was about to be engaged.
“The young man bought a ring this week. They were a beautiful couple,” he said at a press briefing.
The attack has triggered condemnation from both U.S., Israeli and international leaders.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the killings as “obviously based on antisemitism,” and pledged to combat hatred and radicalism across the country.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the shooting as “a despicable act of hatred” and offered his support to the families of the victims and the Israeli embassy staff in Washington.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a heinous antisemitic murder” and said it underscored “the terrible price of incitement against the State of Israel,” while vowing to tighten security for Israeli missions around the world.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the act as a “cowardly, antisemitic violence,” and said the United States would ensure justice is served.
European Union foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said there was “no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism,” and extended condolences to the victims’ families and the people of Israel.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith told the BBC that Rodriguez had no prior record or history that would have placed him on their radar.
However, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating possible terrorist or hate crime motivations.
Jojo Kalin, who organized the event, recounted seeing the suspect return to the museum afterward, visibly distraught and wrapped in a red keffiyeh, shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.
“We were building bridges, and then we were struck by hate,” she told the BBC.
The victims’ names have not yet been released.
Israeli Embassy Workers Shot Dead In U.S By Palestine Supporter is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
