Two Israeli diplomats shot dead in Washington
Two members of the diplomatic staff of the Israeli embassy in the United States were killed last night as they left an event organised at the Capital Jewish Museum. The attack took place as the victims were leaving an event organised by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) focused on humanitarian solutions for Gaza.
The shooter in tonight’s senseless murder of two Israelis in Washington, DC was arrested while chanting “Free Palestine.”
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) May 22, 2025
If you still don’t see the connection between the hate you spew online and the violence against us in the streets, it is time to wake up. pic.twitter.com/xkN2xkXYqm
The alleged perpetrator, identified as Elías Rodríguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, was arrested at the scene by museum security. According to authorities, Rodríguez acted alone and his weapon was recovered after the attack. During his arrest, he shouted ‘Freedom, freedom for Palestine!’, which has intensified suspicions that this was a hate crime.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a press conference that emergency services found a man and a woman unconscious and without vital signs. Despite attempts to revive them, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, confirmed that the victims were killed ‘at point-blank range.’ According to Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, the couple had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to get married next week in Jerusalem.
Israeli Amb. Yechiel Leiter says the Israelis murdered were a young couple.
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) May 22, 2025
"The couple that was gunned down in tonight in the name of free Palestine is a couple that was about to be engaged. The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing." pic.twitter.com/AolvLgWG1p
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser called the attack ‘horrific’ and assured that there is no active threat to the city. ‘We will not tolerate this violence or this hatred. We will not allow acts of terrorism or anti-Semitism in our community,’ she said.
Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) May 22, 2025
This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC.
The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr
The attack has sparked a wave of condemnation both nationally and internationally. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is actively investigating the case. Through her account on X, she asked for prayers for the victims' families and promised justice. ‘We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,’ she said.
For his part, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, demanding an end to anti-Semitism in the United States. ‘Hate and radicalism have no place in our country!’ the president emphasised.
Prime Minister Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 22, 2025
"We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.
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From Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly blamed anti-Semitism for the attack and harshly criticised incitement against Israel. ‘We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and libel against our country. This rhetoric costs lives,’ he said. He also confirmed that he had been in contact with US officials and assured that security measures had been reinforced at all Israeli diplomatic missions around the world.
This attack has set off alarm bells about the rise of anti-Semitic violence around the world. As authorities continue their investigation, the impact of the crime has left a deep wound in both the diplomatic community and American Jewish society.
