WASHINGTON, May 23 – Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday, in what U.S. President Donald Trump condemned as an antisemitic attack. A suspect was arrested at the scene.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths in a post on social media, calling the killings “senseless” and saying authorities were actively investigating the incident.
The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while being taken into custody, according to Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith. The motive has not been officially confirmed, but officials indicated possible links to antisemitism.
“This depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism crosses a red line,” Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said in a statement. “We are confident U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives around the world.”
The Israeli Embassy stated that Ambassador Michael Herzog was not present at the site during the incident and is safe. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting.
In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump said, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, now! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau is assisting local authorities in the investigation. “We are working with MPD to respond and learn more,” he said. “Please pray for the victims and their families.”
The attack occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum, located near the Israeli diplomatic mission in downtown Washington. It comes amid heightened tensions in global Jewish communities and follows a series of recent security incidents involving foreign missions in the U.S.
