On the evening of Wednesday, May 22, 2025, a devastating act of violence shook the community outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Two Israeli embassy employees were fatally shot shortly after 9 p.m. as they departed an event at the museum. The suspected assailant, identified by law enforcement as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was apprehended inside the museum after the shooting.
DC Metro Police Chief Pamela Smith detailed the events during a press conference, noting that Rodriguez was heard shouting "Free, free Palestine" as officers took him into custody. Witnesses observed him pacing outside the museum before he brandished a handgun and opened fire on the couple at close range.
The Israeli Embassy has not released the names of the victims, but an embassy spokesperson confirmed the close-range nature of the attack. Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, disclosed a particularly poignant detail: the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring, intending to propose to his girlfriend in Jerusalem. The couple was remembered by their colleagues as dedicated public servants deeply committed to fostering Israel-U.S. relations.
The suspect's background and motives are under intense scrutiny. Investigators are reviewing Rodriguez's social media, travel patterns, and potential affiliations with anti-Israeli or pro-Palestinian groups. The premeditated nature of the crime, evidenced by the suspect showcasing the weapon prior to firing and his subsequent actions, is a focal point for authorities.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her condolences and emphasized the city's stance against such acts of terrorism and antisemitism. International reactions included Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon labeling the attack as anti-Semitic terrorism and Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemning the violence.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has joined the investigation, looking into the incident as a potential act of terrorism or hate crime. Statements from US officials, including President Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel, condemned the attack and offered support to the victims' families.
The crime scene's proximity to notable federal buildings underscores the significance of the incident in terms of security and diplomatic relations. As the investigation unfolds, the international community watches closely, awaiting answers and justice for the heinous crime that took two lives and left a nation in mourning.
