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Elias Rodriguez has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez, 30, is a resident of Chicago and had no prior with law enforcement before the incident.
The shooting claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff , a man and a woman believed to be a couple, in the area of 3rd and F Streets in Northwest D.C.-a location near the museum, an FBI field office, and the U.S. attorney's office. The victims were reportedly attending a Jewish event at the museum when they were shot at close range.
According to Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting. After being taken into custody, he reportedly chanted, "Free Palestine, Free Palestine." A weapon was recovered at the scene, but investigators have not yet released a motive and say the incident is still under investigation.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, confirmed that the two victims were staff attending the event. The embassy and Israeli officials have expressed outrage and grief over the shooting.
Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack on social media, calling it "a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism" and expressed confidence that U.S. authorities would act decisively against the perpetrator.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also offered condolences and pledged federal for the ongoing investigation.
President Donald Trump responded to the shooting on Truth Social, writing:
"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!"
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised fresh concerns about antisemitic violence in the United States.