Two Israeli staff members murdered in Washington DC; investigations underway
Outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot and killed.
New Delhi (India) May 22: Israeli officials have called the shooting death of two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, near the Jewish Museum on Wednesday night "a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism." Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was arrested by police after he screamed "Free, free Palestine".
According to Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspect, who has been taken into custody, entered the museum after opening fire and stopped by security.
During the press meeting, Israeli ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter stated that the victims were a "young couple about to be engaged.”
The incident happened just a few kilometres from the FBI's Washington Field Office in Northwest Washington, DC.
The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but has not issued a statement beyond stating that the ambassador was not there when the attack took place.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has called this attack a "despicable act of hatred” and said,"Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered. Terror and hate will not break us."
US President Donald Trump has criticised this attack and said, "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!”
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee posted, "horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning" on social media platform X.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths and said that there is an active investigation going on.
Kristi Noem posted, "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<" on X.
FBI director Kash Patel said,"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." in a statement.
According to F.B.I. deputy director Dan Bongino, Washington police had been questioning the man with the agency's counterterrorism unit. On social media, Mr. Bongino stated, "Early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence."
The shooting took place during a period of increased tensions between the US and Israel.
Aadrika Tayal
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