2 Israeli Embassy staff members killed outside Jewish museum in Washington DC
Shooting appears to be targeted; US officials vow to bring perpetrator to justice as probe continues
ISTANBUL
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC late Wednesday, US authorities confirmed, calling the incident a possible act of anti-Semitic terrorism.
The victims, a man and woman, whose identities have not yet been made public, were shot at close range as they exited an event hosted at the museum, located at the corner of 3rd and F Streets NW, an area close to several government institutions including the FBI’s Washington field office.
Shooter identified in DC museum attack:
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency)
◼️ Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, named as suspect in killing of 2 Israeli embassy staff
◼️ Police say Rodriguez had no prior record, motive still under investigation
◼️ Seen pacing outside Capital Jewish Museum before attack,…
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” said US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling the shooting “depraved” and pledging justice for the victims.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, condemned the attack as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” warning that “harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line.”
Israeli embassy spokesman Tal Naim Cohen said in a statement that both victims were attending the event when they were targeted.
“We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” she said.
Police launched a large-scale response, closing several nearby streets and locking down Georgetown University’s Capitol campus.
📍Shooting near Jewish museum in DC
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency)
▪️2 Israeli Embassy staff members killed
▪️Victims, a man and woman were shot at close range as they exited an event hosted at museum
▪️Shooting appears to be targeted; US officials vow to bring perpetrator to justice as probe continues…
CBS reported that the suspect is a goateed man wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket. The Israeli ambassador was not present at the time of the shooting, US media reported.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee labeled the attack a “horrific act of terror.”
Authorities are continuing the search for the suspect, and security has been increased at diplomatic and Jewish sites across the city.
