A man and a woman, staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, were fatally shot outside the Capital Hebrew Museum on Wednesday evening, in what appears to be a politically motivated attack.
The suspect has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, who, according to police reports, shouted “Free Palestine” upon his arrest, as reported by the BBC.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said officers responded to reports of gunfire around 9:08 PM in the northwest section of Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, officers found two individuals—one man and one woman—unresponsive at the scene.
Despite emergency efforts by paramedics and firefighters, both victims succumbed to their injuries.
The victims were confirmed to be leaving an event at the Capital Hebrew Museum, hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, confirmed the two were “a young couple who were soon to be engaged.”
According to Chief Smith, the suspect was seen walking outside the museum moments before the attack. He then approached a group of four people, drew a firearm, and opened fire, fatally striking two individuals.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where he was stopped by security guards. During his arrest, he revealed the location of the firearm, which authorities later recovered.
Police have stated that Rodriguez had no prior security threats on record, and current investigations suggest he acted alone. Authorities are treating the incident as potentially ideologically motivated, given his remarks during the arrest.
