Two Israeli Embassy Employees shot dead in Washington, Trump says “…anti-Semitism, must end, NOW!”
“Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social
Two Israeli Embassy Employees Killed in Shooting Washington, latest news: Two employees of the Israeli Embassy were shot dead on Wednesday near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. A 30-year-old man, identified as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, has been arrested by authorities, NDTV reported. Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on anti-Semitism, must end, NOW!”
According to the report, the suspect shouted “Free, Free Palestine” as he was being taken into custody. Israeli officials have described the act as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths of the two Israeli Embassy staff members in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
She said, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We are actively investigating and working to gather more information. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
The identities of the victims have not been made public; however, they were affiliated with the Israeli diplomatic mission in the United States, NDTV reported, citing local sources.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the act as “horrible,” calling it “obviously based on antisemitism” and adding that it “must end, NOW!”
“Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
“So sad that such things as this can happen! God bless you all!” he added.
Kash Patel, the U.S. Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), said in a post on X, “My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown D.C. outside the Capitol Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate term, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated.”
The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but only stated that the ambassador was not present at the time of the attack, without providing further details.
Israeli Embassy spokesperson Tal Naim said, “This evening, two Israeli Embassy employees were shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We have full confidence in local and federal law enforcement authorities that they will apprehend the shooter and ensure the safety of Israeli representatives and Jewish communities across the United States.”