Israeli embassy staff shot dead outside Jewish museum in Washington DC

Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, said the two staff members were shot “at close range” while attending a Jewish event being held at the museum.

The victims, Yaron and Sarah, were in a relationship and planning to get engaged soon, Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter confirmed.

“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple,” Leiter said.

In a statement posted online, the Israeli Embassy in the US denounced the attack and mourned the loss of its staff.

“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time,” the embassy said.

The shooting occurred just outside the Jewish Museum and mere steps from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. Israeli authorities described it as a “depraved act of anti-semitic terrorism.”

Police have taken into custody the alleged gunman, a 30-year-old man from Chicago identified as Elias Rodriguez. Officials said that as he was being arrested, the suspect shouted, “free, free Palestine.”

Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith stated, “We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody. Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire. After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security.”

Responding officers found the two victims unresponsive and not breathing. Despite the efforts of emergency responders to resuscitate them, both were declared dead at the scene, Smith said.

Donald Trump reacts

Former US President Donald Trump condemned the killings and labelled them antisemitic.

“These horrible D.C. 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!” he wrote on Truth Social.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also addressed the tragedy, vowing justice.

“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she posted on X.