Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed near the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., during a tragic incident that unfolded shortly after 9 PM on a recent evening. A couple, both staff members of the Israeli embassy, were attacked in this recent one. They had just crossed the street from the annual “Young Diplomats Reception” when it happened. This event, known as the largest gathering of the year, brought together Jewish young professionals and members of the diplomatic community.
As the engaged couple left the museum, a third suspect ran up to them and started shooting. According to witnesses, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, pulled out a handgun. Black directed it at a pair of individuals who were accompanied by two other persons at the time. When the police arrived on the scene after the shooting, they reported that Rodriguez was waving a red keffiyeh and yelling “Free Palestine.”
The couple was indeed engaged to be married, as attested to by Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter. The ambassador expressed his profound regret at the loss. He underlined the fact that, for the victims’ families, this tragedy is a personal one.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded with outrage, calling the attack a “horrific antisemitic murder.” He condemned the attack as a consequence of what he called “wild incitement” directed toward Israel, and he decried the deeply alarming increase in antisemitism.
“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. The blood libels against Israel are rising in blood and must be fought to the bitter end.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
That’s why U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an unequivocal pledge to shield communities. She has since been particularly committed to ensuring the safety of her Jewish community in responding to this attack.
“I’ve been informed of the tragic shooting that occurred outside of the Capitol Jewish Museum tonight in Washington D.C. We are monitoring the situation as more details become known and lifting up the victim’s families in our prayers.” – US Speaker Mike Johnson
The shooting was condemned across the board by state and local political leaders. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson calls on Americans to come together against hatred and radicalism. He declared that America will not tolerate the spread of these cancerous doctrines.
“Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.” – President Donald Trump
In a tweet, President Trump offered condolences to the families of those killed. In particular, he stressed the need to end violence based on hatred.
“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!” – President Donald Trump
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry strongly condemned the double murder as an apparent “act of antisemitic terror.” This tragic episode underscores the global significance of antisemitism and the way it continues to strike a chord outside of U.S. borders.
While investigations are still underway, community leaders are calling for solidarity and resilience from those impacted by this unexpected and senseless act of violence.
Yoni Kalin is an organizer committed to humanizing Israelis and Palestinians. He wanted to make it clear what was at stake with this ongoing and often destructive violence.
“This event was about humanitarian aid. How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people?” – Yoni Kalin
The legacy left behind by this tragedy continues to remind us of the troubling issues still present regarding violence fueled by hate. It underscores the importance of ongoing conversation and work to build bridges among our multi-faceted communities.