Shooter kills two Israeli embassy staff in an act of anti-Semitic terrorism
- Two staff members of an Israeli embassy were shot while leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The shooter, Elias Rodriguez, was apprehended by security shortly after the violent attack.
- Israeli officials have condemned the shooting, labeling it an act of anti-Semitic terrorism.
On the evening of May 21, 2025, two staff members from the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot near the Capital Jewish Museum. During an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum, the victims, a man and a woman, were exiting when they were attacked. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire, and the shooter was later apprehended by security at the museum. The attack has been classified as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism by multiple Israeli officials, who condemned the violence as a serious threat against diplomats and the Jewish community. The individual responsible for the shooting, Elias Rodriguez, was noted to have exhibited suspicious behavior prior to the incident, pacing outside the museum before approaching the victims and opening fire with a handgun. After being detained, he allegedly shouted a phrase related to the Palestinian cause, which has raised concerns about the motives behind his actions. The incident has led to heightened security discussions among Jewish institutions across the U.S., as the threat level appears to be increasing against these communities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the Department of Homeland Security is actively investigating the incident while offering condolences to the families of the victims. Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, labeled the attack a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” stressing the urgency for justice and security measures to protect foreign representatives abroad. In response to the shooting, U.S. security agencies are deploying extra measures to safeguard diplomatic missions and Jewish centers. The rapid police response resulted in the shooter being taken into custody without further violence. Officials have expressed commitment to apprehending any accomplices and ensuring safety within the regions affected by this violence, reflecting on the broader context of rising anti-Semitism both domestically and globally.