Two Israeli embassy staff members have been killed in a brazen daylight shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what officials are describing as a “cowardly and antisemitic attack.”
The Israeli embassy confirmed the victims as Yaron and Sarah, describing them as “our friends and colleagues” and expressing “devastation and heartbreak” at their loss.
“No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss,” the embassy said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Our hearts are with their families.”
Suspect Identified: Elias Rodriguez
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect has been tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, a resident of Chicago, Illinois.
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing outside the museum,” Smith said. “He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire.”
Both Yaron and Sarah were killed in the attack. Afterward, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum and was detained by event security.
He told authorities where he discarded the firearm, which has since been recovered, and admitted to committing the offense, according to police.
While in custody, Rodriguez chanted “Free Palestine,” raising concerns the attack was politically or ideologically motivated.
Condemnation from US and Israeli Officials
The attack drew immediate and widespread condemnation.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence.”
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the first Jewish leader in Senate history, described the shooting as “sickening.”
- House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was “lifting up the victims’ families in our prayers.”
- Former President Donald Trump also issued a strong condemnation, calling for those responsible to be “held fully accountable.”
Israeli officials also weighed in, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir linking the violence to political rhetoric from opposition figures like Yair Golan.
“Antisemites around the world draw strength from villainous politicians in Israel,” Ben-Gvir posted.
Increased Risk to Israeli Diplomats
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar acknowledged that Israeli diplomatic staff face heightened risks, especially in the current global climate of tension surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“Our representatives around the world are constantly exposed to threats,” Sa’ar said.
The FBI and local law enforcement are now leading a joint investigation into the attack, which is being treated as a possible act of antisemitic terrorism.
Security Alert for Diplomats and Jewish Institutions
Security measures have been heightened across Washington D.C. and at Israeli embassies worldwide. The Capital Jewish Museum remains closed, and the Israeli embassy in the U.S. has reinforced its internal protocols.
Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. A press briefing is expected later today from federal investigators.
Remembering Yaron and Sarah
The victims, remembered by colleagues as “kind, dedicated, and in the prime of their lives,” had been working at the embassy for several years.
Memorial events are being planned in both Washington D.C. and Tel Aviv.
