Things you need to know about the growing threat of gun violence
We will explore the growing problems of gun violence and mass murder in the United States, and learn how Gun Violence Archives (GVAs) categorize different types of gun violence.
Two staff members at the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot dead after leaving the capital Jewish Museum on May 21, authorities said.
Police received a call reporting the shooting at 9pm, just after 9pm, Metropolitan Police Department Prime Minister Pamela Smith said at a press conference. Responding officers found that one man and one woman were unconscious and not breathing on the scene.
“Despite all the efforts of the DC fire and EMS to respond and save lives, both victims succumbed to injuries,” Smith said.
Preliminary investigations show that the victim left the event at the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington when the shooting occurred. Investigators believe that one shooter was behind the attack.
The suspect, identified as Chicago’s Elias Rodriguez, 30, was observed to travel back and forth outside the museum prior to the shooting, Smith said. Rodriguez then approached a group of four and attacked two victims.
According to Smith, Rodriguez later entered the museum and was taken into custody for the event’s security. When detained, Rodriguez cried out “Free and Free Palestine,” Smith added.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the shooting, noting that the incident would instill fear among communities and people around the country.
“We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hatred in our city,” Bowser said at a press conference. “We will not tolerate terrorism’s conduct, and we will stand together as a community in a few days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism.”
Israeli Embassy spokesman: Staff shot at ‘close range’
When asked if the authorities were aware of the threat, Smith said police “have not received intelligence regarding any type of terrorist acts or hate crimes in our city.”
The FBI Field Office in Washington said it was on the scene with the Metropolitan Police Department. The agency noted that there is no continuing threat to public safety.
Israeli Embassy spokesman Tal Naim Cohen said two staff members were filmed “close distance” at X.
“We have full confidence in law enforcement authorities at both local and federal levels to arrest shooters and protect Israeli representatives and Jewish communities across the United States,” Cohen said.
Yechiel Leiter, the US Israeli ambassador, said the two murdered victims were “a young couple about to engage.”
“This week, the young man bought the ring in Jerusalem next week with the intention of offering it to his girlfriend,” the writer told a news conference. “They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy the evening at the Cultural Center in Washington.”
Trump: “Hate and extremism have no place in America.”
President Donald Trump took part in social media and suggested that the killings would be driven by anti-Semitism.
“These horrifying DC murders, clearly based on anti-Semitism, must now be over!” Trump said true socially. “Hate and radicalism have no place in America. I express my sadness to the families of the victims. I am sad that this kind of thing can happen! God bless you!”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has said on social media that he is “devastated” by the Washington scene.
“This is a sleazy act of anti-Semitic hatred that advocates the lives of two young employees at the Israeli Embassy,” Herzog said. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those killed, and our immediate prayers are with the wounded. I will send full support to the ambassador and all embassy staff.”
Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem said federal authorities are investigating the incident in X.
“Two staff members at the Israeli Embassy were killed meaninglessly tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.,” Noem said. “Pray for the victims’ families. We will bring this fallen perpetrator to justice.”
UN Israeli ambassador Danny Danon condemned the shooting.
“The diplomats and Jewish communities are crossing the red line,” Danon told X.
The Jewish Federation of Washington stated in a statement that the organization was horrified by the shooting and “declined the loss of two individuals killed in the attack.”
“Our hearts are with their families, their loved ones, and with all those affected by this tragic act of anti-Semitic violence,” the federation said, adding that they will work with law enforcement and other Jewish organizations to “acquire a richer picture of what happened.”
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, gunfires occur
The shooting has been devastated by air and ground operations amid growing criticism of Israel after it announced plans to bolster its military campaign against Hamas and control Gaza.
More than 53,000 people have been killed, and almost all Gaza residents have been evacuated since the start of the war.
The war has raised tensions between Israel and much of the international community. Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia cases are also rising rapidly across the US, with law enforcement taking high vigilance.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
