Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington DC were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, in an attack.

The victims, described as a young couple, were leaving an event focused on humanitarian aid for Gazans when they were targeted at close range. Both were rushed to hospital. 

Their names have not yet been released, and their current conditions remain unclear.

Police have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a resident of Chicago. He was taken into custody shortly after the incident.

According to police, Rodriguez was not previously known to law enforcement.

“We have not had any prior interactions with this individual,” DC Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters. “We don’t see anything in his background that would have placed him on our radar.”

Chief Smith said the suspect directed officers to the location where he discarded the weapon. The firearm has since been recovered.

While in custody, Rodriguez reportedly chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine” and “implied that he committed the offence,” Smith said.

The motive has not been officially confirmed. However, the case is being closely reviewed by the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the FBI.

US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting, calling it “obviously based on antisemitism.” In a post on Truth Social, he urged Americans to stand united against all forms of hate.

Security has been heightened around diplomatic and Jewish institutions in Washington in response to the shooting.

Source: BBC

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