Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Fatally Shot in Washington, D.C.; Ambassador Condemns ‘Depraved Act’

Washington: Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead on Wednesday evening in Washington outside the Jewish Museum, in what Israeli officials are calling a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism."

The incident occurred just steps from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, sparking a massive law enforcement response and leaving the city’s Jewish and diplomatic communities reeling.

The museum was hosting an American Jewish Committee event at the time of the shooting, according to a source familiar with the matter.

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Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the shooting in a post on X, describing it as an act of "anti-Semitic terrorism" and calling for decisive action by US authorities.

“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,” Danon said. “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives everywhere in the world.”

US Homeland Secretary of State Kristi Noem identifies both of those killed in the shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington as staffers at the Israeli Embassy.

“We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims,” she writes on X. “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

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Washington, DC, Police Chief Pamela Smith says that “despite all life-saving efforts, both victims succumbed to their injuries.”

She says both victims were exiting an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

“Prior to the shooting, a suspect was observed pacing outside of the museum,” she says, adding that he opened fire at a group of four, killing a man and a woman.

“The suspect chanted, ‘Free, free Palestine,’ while in custody. The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriquez of Chicago, Illinois,” she says.

“The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of ‘Free Palestine’ was a couple about to be engaged,” she says, adding that the man had bought a ring last week with the intention of proposing next week in Jerusalem.

Authorities have not confirmed the witness's account, and a press conference is expected later Wednesday evening to provide further updates.

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