Two Israeli embassy staff killed in Washington DC shooting
Two Israeli embassy employees were shot dead outside an event in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, in what US officials are investigating as a politically motivated attack.
The staff were killed less than 2km from the White House. The pair had just left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were attacked by a lone gunman identified by police as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez fired at a group of four people using a handgun, fatally wounding the two embassy staffers. Witnesses saw him pacing outside the museum before opening fire.
"After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum and was detained by event security," Smith told reporters. She said the man shouted “Free Palestine” after his arrest and directed officers to the weapon, which was recovered. Authorities confirmed he had no prior criminal history.
A video clip circulating on social media showed Rodriguez in a jacket and white shirt shouting "free, free Palestine" as he was led away by police.
New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch
Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the killings were “heinous antisemitic” act. Netanyahu said he has ordered a tightening of security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.
US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as driven by “hatred and radicalism,” while other US and Israeli officials voiced outrage. Deputy FBI Director Don Bongino said the suspect is being questioned and called the incident “targeted violence”.
The Israeli staff had been attending a Young Diplomats Reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee, a pro-Israel advocacy organisation.
The gathering brought together Jewish professionals and members of Washington’s diplomatic community.
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
