In a harrowing escalation of anti-Semitic violence, two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what law enforcement officials and eyewitnesses are increasingly describing as a hate-motivated attack. The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, was swiftly taken into custody and is facing charges that could include federal hate crimes.
The shooting took place during a reception organized by the American Jewish Committee’s DC Young Professional Board—a tragic irony, given that the event was reportedly focused on the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza. According to eyewitness reports, chaos erupted outside the museum just after the couple, both Israeli nationals and staffers for the Israeli Ambassador, were fatally shot. Moments later, a man wearing a keffiyeh stormed into the museum shouting “Free Palestine” before being restrained and removed by police.
According to D.C. police, the shooting suspect who killed two Israeli embassy staff in DC tonight is in custody.
“The suspect chanted free free Palestine while in custody.”
The suspect is 30-year-year Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) May 22, 2025
Chilling video footage has since emerged of Rodriguez in custody, allegedly chanting “Free, free Palestine,” echoing sentiments voiced by the intruder in the museum. The convergence of timing, location, and inflammatory rhetoric has left little doubt among investigators and the public that the motive was rooted in anti-Semitism.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed the victims’ identities during a press conference held by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), revealing that the pair—whose names have not yet been released—were a couple soon to be engaged. “Their deaths are not just a personal tragedy,” he said, “but a blow to peace and civility itself.”
The AJC event was for young Jewish professionals working in foreign policy. The panel was on multi faith efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Israel & Gaza. The people who lost their lives tonight were young people dedicated to service & alleviating human suffering. https://t.co/F6WE7LjnnI
— Amanda J. Rothschild (@Rothschild_AJ) May 22, 2025
The attack occurred just blocks from Capitol Hill and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, underscoring the alarming proximity of extremist violence to the heart of American government. Former Trump administration officials, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, quickly arrived on the scene. Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro also joined them, and all three participated in early briefings with investigators.
Bondi addressed the media at the MPD press conference, emphasizing that federal and local agencies were coordinating closely to protect Jewish communities in the wake of the attack. “This was not just a random act of violence,” she said. “This was targeted, and we will treat it with the full weight of the law.”
“They were a beautiful couple out for an evening in Washington’s cultural center”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter: the victims were about to be engaged — the young man had bought a ring just this week and planned to propose in Jerusalem next week 💔 pic.twitter.com/Ud2GhO0Irc
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 22, 2025
President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social early Thursday morning, condemning the killings in forceful terms. “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! 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! God Bless You ALL!”
