Washington: U.S. officials have confirmed that two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what appears to be a targeted attack.
The victims, a man and a woman, have not yet been publicly identified. Sources - CBS by News - said that the shooting occurred as the two embassy officials were leaving an event at the museum.
Preliminary information suggests the attack was intentional. The area where the shooting took place is home to numerous tourist attractions, museums, and government buildings, including the FBI's Washington Field Office.
Several embassy officials were reportedly attending the event at the museum when the incident occurred.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the killings on social media platform X, vowing that the perpetrator would be brought to justice.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, described the shooting as an act of “anti-Semitic terrorism,” adding that any attempt to harm the Jewish community or diplomatic staff is a “red line.” He urged U.S. authorities to take decisive action against those responsible.
U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned the incident, calling it a clear act of anti-Semitism. Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, he stated: “The killings in Washington, D.C. are clearly rooted in anti-Semitism, and such attacks must end immediately. There is no place for hate and extremism in America.”
According to Israeli Embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen, the victims were shot at close range. Speaking at a press conference, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leitner, revealed a personal detail: the two victims were recently engaged and had plans to marry soon.
“The young officer had bought a ring earlier this week to propose in Jerusalem next week,” Leitner said. “They were a beautiful couple.”
So far, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, Illinois, identified as Elias Rodriguez, has been taken into custody in relation to the shooting, according to police. He is currently the sole suspect in the case.
