Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington, DC; Trump condemns 'antisemitic' act

Two Israeli diplomatic staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, DC a few hours ago, sparking a citywide lockdown and a sweeping manhunt. The victims, a man and a woman, were shot at close range as they exited a diplomatic event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The shooting occurred at around 21:05 local time near 3rd and F Streets NW, a district surrounded by major government buildings, including the FBI’s Washington field office. The event, the “AJC ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception,” was intended to bring together Jewish professionals and members of the international diplomatic corps.

Multiple Israeli embassy staff were in attendance, though the ambassador was not present.

Tal Naim Cohen, spokeswoman for the embassy, confirmed the victims were shot "at close range" and said Israeli officials were in close contact with American authorities. "We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” she said.

A 30-year-old man, identified as Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, is believed to have committed the act alone and is in custody, said Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith. His gun was also recovered. Smith said according to early investigation Rodriguez was seen walking back and forth outside the museum before he approached a group of four people, including the two victims, and began shooting. While in custody, he shouted, "Free, free Palestine!" Smith said. 

"The couple that was gunned down tonight were about to be engaged. The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing next week in Jerusalem," said Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter. He said he had received a call from President Donald Trump, assuring the support of the United States in combating anti-Semitism.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, denounced the shooting as "a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism." He added: "Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act."

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also expressed outrage, writing: "This horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning is a stark reminder of the dangers Jews face even far from home. Our hearts are broken."

Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, who is the senate minority leader, described the shooting as "sickening" and "another horrific instance of antisemitism," while AJC CEO Ted Deutch, who hosted the event, said: “We are devastated… our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”

"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!,” wrote President Donald Trump. “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."

Middle East