Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in US

Two Israeli embassy staff have been shot dead near a Jewish museum in Washington DC, United States.

The victims, a man and a woman, were shot around 21:05 local time as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

Police have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, Illinois, who is now being held in custody.

The 30-year-old suspect was reportedly seen “pacing back and forth outside of the museum” where the shooting took place.

He approached a group of four people, brought out a handgun, and shot both victims.

Pamela Smith, Washington police chief, said the suspect chanted “free Palestine” while in custody.

Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US, told journalists that the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged.

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

“They were a beautiful couple.”

Tal Naim Cohen, Israeli embassy spokesperson, said her government has full faith in law enforcement authorities at the local and federal levels “to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States”.

US President Donald Trump condemned the killings on Truth Social, suggesting they were driven by antisemitism.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he said.

“Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL.”

Kash Patel, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director, said the agency is working with the police to respond to the situation, adding that authorities will keep the public updated “as we are able”.

“In the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families,” he said.