3 hours ago
Last Updated:May 22, 2025, 10:45 IST
The suspect In the Jewish Museum shooting, in which two Israeli Embassy staffers were killed, has been identified as Elias Rodriguez.
Two staff members linked to the Israeli Embassy were killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. (Image: Reuters)
Hours after two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were killed in a shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC, police identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez. Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez, who is 30 years old, is from Chicago and had no previous contact with law enforcement.
While the motive behind the incident is still unknown, officials are investigating the matter. Additionally, the police recovered a weapon from the scene.
Washington Police chief Pamela Smith said the suspect was seen pacing outside the museum before being taken into custody. While in custody, he chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine," according to Smith.
Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed on Wednesday evening outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, in a post to X called the shooting “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism" and added that he is “confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act".
The shooting occurred just steps from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, located in Northwest DC.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, confirmed that two embassy staff members were shot at close range on Wednesday evening while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump responded to the incident and stated that “hatred and radicalism have no space" in the country.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! 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!"
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Chanted ‘Free Palestine’ Before Attack: Who Is Elias Rodriguez, Accused in Jewish Museum Shooting?
