Depraved Act Of Anti-Semitic Terror”: 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Killed In US

Depraved Act Of Anti-Semitic Terror”: 2 Israeli Embassy Staff Killed In US

New Delhi, May 22, 2025 — Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot and killed Wednesday evening near the Jewish Museum, in an incident Israeli officials have described as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

Authorities have arrested a 30-year-old man from Chicago, identified as Elias Rodriguez. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.

The shooting occurred just steps from the FBI’s Washington Field Office in Northwest D.C. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths in a post on X, stating that an active investigation is underway and that federal authorities are coordinating with local law enforcement to determine the full circumstances.

“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. 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,” Ms. Noem posted on X.

The identities of the victims have not been made public, but local reports claim both were affiliated with the Israeli diplomatic mission in the United States. The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the incident but confirmed that the ambassador was not present at the time of the attack.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the killings on Truth Social, stating, “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!”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attack a “despicable act of hatred” and expressed solidarity with Jewish communities in the United States. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered. Terror and hate will not break us,” he said.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he had been briefed on the shooting. “My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown D.C. 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,” he said in a statement.

Washington D.C. police responded to the scene shortly after the shooting was reported. A police spokesperson said officers were securing the perimeter around the museum and are searching for witnesses and surveillance footage.

According to reports, the Capital Jewish Museum, which opened in its current location in 2023, was hosting an event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the time of the shooting. The AJC’s CEO, Ted Deutch, issued a statement saying, “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue.”

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were reportedly at the scene shortly after the incident. Ms. Bondi posted on social media that authorities are coordinating a full federal response and would brief the public as more information becomes available.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack on X, describing it as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”