Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead outside the Jewish Museum in Washington on Wednesday evening, the 21st of May, by an assailant who shouted “free, free Palestine” after being apprehended, officials said, according to Reuters.
The two victims, a woman and a man, were shot as they were leaving the museum. Several Israeli embassy staff were inside the museum.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said the gunman was seen outside the museum before the shooting and was identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago.
“After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum and was detained by event security,” Smith said. “Once the suspect was handcuffed, he pointed to where he discarded the weapon, and the weapon was recovered, and he indicated that he had committed this crime.”
She added that the suspect had not previously contacted the police.
President Donald Trump condemned the shooting.
“These horrific murders in Washington, clearly based on anti-Semitism, must end, NOW!”, Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Hate and radicalism have no place in the United States. My condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that these things can happen! God bless you all!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was shocked by the killings, condemned the incident and offered his condolences to the families.
“We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and cruel incitement against the State of Israel. The flames of hatred against Israel are growing and must be fought to the end,” he said in a statement.
FBI Deputy Director Don Bongino said the suspect was being questioned by police and the FBI. He wrote on X that it looked like a “targeted act of violence” and promised to provide an update soon.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the incident, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: “We will bring this defiled criminal to justice.”
The shooting could give Netanyahu and his far-right partners a political weapon to take a tougher line in the Gaza conflict, as well as increase sympathy for Israel among its Western allies, who have been pressing Netanyahu to ease the aid blockade in the war-torn territory.
Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Israel would be ready for a temporary ceasefire to secure the return of the hostages. But otherwise, he said Israel would continue its military campaign to gain full control of Gaza.
After an 11-week blockade that had restricted the entry of goods into Gaza, Israel allowed 100 aid trucks carrying flour, baby food and medical equipment into the Gaza Strip on Monday and Tuesday, the Israeli military said. But UN officials reported that the aid has so far failed to reach the people due to distribution problems. World experts warn of looming famine in Gaza.
Wednesday’s shelling is certain to further inflame the US debate on the war in Gaza, which has polarised staunch Israeli and Palestinian supporters.