Two Israeli embassy staffers killed in Washington shooting; suspect in custody

Two Israeli embassy staffers, a young couple soon to be engaged, were fatally shot by a lone gunman in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. Authorities say the suspect, who shouted pro-Palestinian slogans, is now in custody.

The victims were shot as they were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, located near 3rd and F Streets NW, about 1.3 miles (2 km) from the White House.

Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that a man fired a handgun at a group of four people, hitting the two victims. He had reportedly been pacing outside the museum before the attack.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, reportedly chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine” after being detained.

“Following the shooting, the suspect entered the museum and was subdued by event security,” Smith said. “After being handcuffed, he disclosed where he had discarded the weapon, which has since been recovered. He also suggested he was responsible for the attack.”

Smith added that Rodriguez had no prior interactions with law enforcement.

Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, shared that the young man who was killed had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to his girlfriend in Jerusalem next week.

Former President Donald Trump condemned the shooting on Truth Social, calling it a clear act of antisemitism. “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he posted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed sorrow over the loss. “Our hearts ache for the families of these young people whose lives were cut short by a heinous anti-Semitic murderer,” he said, blaming the attack on a growing wave of incitement and false accusations against Israel.

Netanyahu also announced heightened security measures at Israeli embassies worldwide.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul responded with outrage, stating, “Nothing can justify anti-Semitic violence.”

Potential Political Fallout

The attack may serve to bolster Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and his far-right allies, possibly justifying a tougher stance on Gaza. It may also shift international sentiment back toward Israel amid growing calls from allies to ease humanitarian conditions in the region.

The incident drew parallels to the 1982 assassination attempt on Israeli Ambassador Shlomo Argov in London by the Abu Nidal group, which catalyzed a significant Israeli military response in Lebanon.

The Washington shooting is expected to intensify the already divisive debate in the U.S. over the Gaza conflict. Conservative voices, including Trump, have labeled pro-Palestinian demonstrators as antisemitic. Trump has also taken action by cutting funding to universities he accuses of tolerating such demonstrations, and his administration has detained foreign student protesters without charge.

Leaders Condemn ‘Targeted’ Attack

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly denounced the shooting. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed justice for the “depraved perpetrator,” while Deputy FBI Director Don Bongino said early evidence points to “targeted violence.” He confirmed that the suspect was being questioned by both local police and the FBI.

The event at the Capital Jewish Museum, hosted by the American Jewish Committee, was described as a "Young Diplomats Reception," intended to connect Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community in Washington.

In the aftermath, mourners gathered at the site. One individual wore a modified Israeli flag and knelt at the intersection where the attack occurred. Aaron Shemtov, a rabbinical student from California, said he came to show solidarity.

“When someone in our community is killed simply for who they are, we stand strong, we stand proud, and we never give up,” he said.

Rabbi Levi Shemtov, executive vice president of American Friends of Lubavitch, who knew the couple through his synagogue, expressed deep sorrow.

“They were about to celebrate a major life milestone — an engagement — and instead were gunned down in the street because of their identity,” he said.