The suspect in a fatal shooting of two staff members of the Israeli embassy outside an event in the capital of the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, shouted “free Palestinians, free” after being detained, “said DC Police Chief Pamela Smith.
A man and one woman – the two staff members at the Israeli Embassy – were shot and killed when they were out of an event on Wednesday night, officials said.
“Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were shot tonight at close range while attending a Jewish event at the capital of the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” the Israeli Embassy said at Washington Tal Naim Cohen’s spokesman in a statement Wednesday night.
“We have full confidence in law enforcement authorities at the local and federal levels to capture shooters and protect Israeli representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” the statement continued.
The suspect, who was identified as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, who was 30 years old, was immediately detained at the scene and was being questioned by the police, Smith said.
Deputy Director of FBI and Bongino said the initial indicators showed the shooting into a “targeted attack.”
The subject is currently being interviewed by DC Metro along with our JTTF FBI team.
“The US lawyer’s office is at the scene with me, and our WFO management team, at the Washington field office that reviews evidence to determine additional actions,” Bongino said. “The shooting took place not far from our Washington Field Office. Our FBI Police officers, who were assigned to external posts on WFO property, immediately responded and provide assistance after attack. The initial indicator was that this was an act of violence targeted. Our FBI team was fully involved and we would get your answer as soon as possible, without additional compromise.”
After the shooting, officials said Rodriguez tried to enter the building where the event took place and was stopped by the security of the event, Smith said.
After being arrested, he implied that he had carried out the shooting and began to sing, “Palestine is free, free,” Smith said.
He also explained where he was suspected of throwing the gun used in the shooting, which was immediately found, according to officials.
DC police were seen at the shooting place on May 21, 2025.
WPLA
“There is no active threat,” said Mayor of DC Muriel Bowser during a press conference at the Metropolitan Police Department.
“I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hatred in our city. We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we will stand together as a community in a few days and next week to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-semitism.”
The emergency call center began to receive a call at around 21:08 reported the shooting in the area, Smith said.
When an emergency respondent arrived, a man and a woman were found at the scene, not breathing, he continued. At least one of the first victims was transported to a local hospital in a critical condition, Sumber told ABC News.
The two victims had been out of the event at the museum when the incident occurred, officials confirmed.
“The couple who were shot dead tonight will be engaged,” the Israeli ambassador to the United States said Yechiel Leiter at a press conference. “The young man bought this week’s ring with the intention of applying for next week in Jerusalem.”
He also shared that he had received a call from President Donald Trump on Wednesday night, promised US support in combating anti-Semitism.
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, was confirmed with ABC News that AJC had held an event at the Museum on Wednesday night, “We are devastated that anxious acts of violence occurred outside the place. At this moment, when we wait more information from the police about what is transferred, our attention and our hearts carefully
The incident occurred near the FBI field office on DC A Top Chodure for FBI Posted on x That there is the presence of the bureau at the scene that works together with the Metropolitan Police Department.
“FBI personnel are at the scene of working with MPd to respond. We will soon have a statement and share more information,” Ben Williamson wrote.
The United States Attorney General Pam Bondi and the US Temporary Lawyer for Columbia District Jeanine Pirro went to the scene shortly after the incident, said Bondi in a post in X.
“Pray for the victims of this violence when we work to study more,” he write.
Danny Danon, the Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting “Anti-Semitic Terrorism” Post on x.
“Harming the diplomats and the Jewish community across the red line,” he wrote.
Secretary of the Department of Domestic Security Kristi Noem United States words on x“We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring the depraved perpetrators to the court.”
This is a developing story. Please check again for updates.