U.S – May 21, 2025 — A tragic shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, claimed the lives of two Israeli Embassy workers on Wednesday night, authorities have confirmed.
The attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m., prompting a swift response from emergency services and sparking widespread concern among the diplomatic and Jewish communities in the U.S. capital.
The victims, who were staff members of Israel’s diplomatic mission, have not been named as officials await contact with their families. Investigators from the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, alongside federal law enforcement, are working to uncover the circumstances of the incident.
“This is a matter of top priority,” said Police Chief Pamela Smith during a news update. “We’re actively collaborating with federal partners and the Israeli Embassy to understand what led to this tragedy.”
Authorities have not yet determined if the shooting was premeditated or incidental. In response, security presence has increased around embassies and Jewish organizations in the area.
The Israeli Embassy acknowledged the incident in a short statement, mourning the loss and confirming cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Pamela A. Smith, head of the Metropolitan Police Department, announced that one suspect had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting. The individual was identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, Illinois. According to Smith, Rodriguez shouted “Free, free, Palestine” while being held by authorities.
Governor Noem, in a public statement, urged people to keep the victims’ families in their prayers and vowed that the suspect would be held accountable for the violent act.
The Capital Jewish Museum, located close to the site of the attack, has temporarily shut its doors for safety reasons.
