Authorities have confirmed that two Israeli embassy staff members were killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on May 22 2025.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was arrested and reportedly shouted ‘Free Palestine’ before being apprehended by law enforcement.

The victims were reportedly a couple, and the man had bought a ring in preparation to propose to her.

The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, and investigators are still working to determine why the embassy staff members were targeted.

The FBI director Kash Patel condemned the act as violence driven by anti-Semitism and said that there is an ongoing investigation while he enjoined the public to pray for the victims

The U.S. President Donald Trump among other top officials condemned the act, emphatically stating that there is no room for hatred in the state, he wrote: “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!”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of two staff members from the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. Our prayers are with their loved ones. This was a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence. Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”

FBI Director Kash Patel: My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated as we are able.”

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth