Two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington have been shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, with the suspect yelling “Free, free Palestine” after he was arrested, police said.

The two victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said.

The suspect – Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago – was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said.

When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said. Smith said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community.

Israel's US ambassador Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" President Donald Trump posted on social media early on Thursday. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!’

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “devastated” by the scenes in Washington.

“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy," he said.

"Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured.

"We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US. America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.” (AP)
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Last updated: 2025-05-22 HKT 13:18