Israeli diplomats killed in an anti-Semitic attack near Washington museum; suspect shouted ‘Free Palestine’

Two Israeli Embassy staff members fatally shot in Washington, DC

Two members a man and a woman of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near the Capitol Jewish Museum. Israeli authorities have described the incident as a potential act of anti-Semitic terrorism.

The fatal shooting occurred in close proximity to the FBI’s Washington Field Office in the northwest part of the city. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths via social media, emphasizing that a joint investigation is underway involving federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Ongoing Investigation and Government Response

Secretary Noem posted, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims.

We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025

The victims’ names have not yet been disclosed. Reports indicate that both were affiliated with the Israeli diplomatic mission in the United States. The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but confirmed that the ambassador was not present at the time of the attack.

FBI and local law enforcement involvement

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that he had been briefed on the situation. “My team and I are working with MPD to understand what occurred. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones,” he said.

My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 22, 2025

Washington, DC police were quick to respond to the reported gunfire. Officers secured the area around the museum and began gathering surveillance footage and witness statements to aid the investigation.

Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that a lone suspect, observed pacing outside the museum prior to the incident, is in custody. Smith informed that the attacker approached a group of four people and produced a handgun and started shooting, “striking both the deceased.”

She added that the suspect chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine,” in custody, she said, adding that the “suspect has been tentatively identified as 30 years old, of Elias Rodrigues from Chicago.”

Incident linked to ongoing event at Jewish museum

At the time of the attack, the Capitol Jewish Museum was hosting an event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The museum, which opened in its current location in 2023, became the backdrop for what AJC CEO Ted Deutch called an “unspeakable act of violence.”

Federal officials pledge full response

US Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro arrived at the scene soon after the incident. Bondi noted on social media that federal authorities are coordinating efforts to manage the investigation and will keep the public informed.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the killings, describing them as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

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