Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night in what authorities are calling a targeted antisemitic attack. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, is in custody, and his firearm has been recovered. Authorities believe he acted alone.
President Donald Trump condemned the murders in a late-night Truth Social post, calling the killings “horrible” and “based obviously on antisemitism.” He added, “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!”
The Israeli government echoed the outrage. President Isaac Herzog referred to the double homicide as “a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism,” and vowed full support to the U.S. Jewish community. “America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values,” Herzog stated.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was equally firm, calling the murders a “brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence” and pledging that “we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The shooting took place during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum. Witnesses report that the victims were leaving the building when the gunman opened fire at close range. The FBI and Homeland Security are actively investigating the incident, and DHS confirmed that it is working to share additional details with the public soon.
The Jewish Federations of North America released a statement calling the murders “horrifying” and said they are coordinating with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and security partners to monitor the ongoing situation. “We will not rest until that safety is fully restored,” the group said.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the shooting in a press conference Thursday morning, calling it “horrific” and emphasizing that there is currently “no active threat.” She assured residents that the city would not tolerate “any acts of terrorism” or “antisemitism.”
Images from the scene showed police cordoning off a wide perimeter around the museum as investigators processed evidence into the early hours of Thursday. Some reports indicate that Rodriguez had posted anti-Israel rhetoric online prior to the attack, though this has not yet been confirmed by officials.
Wednesday’s attack follows a surge of antisemitic incidents across the U.S. in recent months, including threats to synagogues, hate graffiti, and violent assaults. The killings of two foreign diplomats on American soil could spark diplomatic consequences, particularly if investigators find evidence of ideological or international links.
This is not the first time that D.C. has been the center of politically charged violence in recent years, but the high-profile nature of this attack—targeting foreign officials in the heart of the capital—marks a disturbing escalation.
The Biden-era Justice Department had previously faced criticism from Jewish groups for downplaying antisemitic threats. Under Trump’s renewed administration, many expect federal law enforcement to pursue this case aggressively, especially given the involvement of embassy staff and the diplomatic ramifications.
Rubio, who has taken a hard line on antisemitism and terrorism during his tenure as secretary of state, has reportedly ordered U.S. consulates to coordinate with foreign missions for updated threat assessments. The White House has not ruled out the possibility of classifying the act as terrorism under federal law.
Rodriguez is expected to face multiple federal charges in addition to murder, though no official indictment has been released. Authorities say he is being held without bond and will be transferred to federal custody pending further investigation.
In the meantime, security has been heightened at foreign embassies across the city, and the Department of Homeland Security has issued a bulletin urging all diplomatic staff to remain vigilant.
As tributes pour in for the victims, pressure is mounting on law enforcement and political leaders to ensure swift justice—and to prevent such a deadly act of antisemitic violence from happening again.
