Shooting at Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed, Suspect in Custody
A man was in custody late Wednesday in connection with the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers who were gunned down outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, according to officials.
A man and a woman were shot and killed in the area of 3rd and F streets in Northwest, which is near the museum, an FBI field office and the U.S. attorney’s office, officials said.
Response from Authorities
During a late-night news conference, Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no active threat in the community following the shooting.
“We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city,” she said. “We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism and we are going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism.”
Breaking News and Updates
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith tentatively identified the lone shooting suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, during the news conference.
She said after the man had been taken into custody he chanted “free, free Palestine.”
Reactions to the Shooting
The shooting, which occurred shortly after 9 p.m. local time, stirred outrage.
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote in a post on X.
FBI Director Kash Patel said he and his team had been briefed on the shooting.
“While we’re working with [Metropolitan Police Department] to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families,” he wrote on X.
International Response
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
“Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” Danon said in a post on X. “We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.”
Investigation and Aftermath
Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were on the scene of the shooting.
Breaking News Deputy Editor Alfred Charles contributed to this report. From Reuters, Ryan Patrick Jones and Daniel Trotta reported from D.C. Editing by Edwina Gibbs.
Conclusion
The shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. has sent shockwaves around the world, with many condemning the act of violence and offering condolences to the victims and their families. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the community will come together to stand against hate and antisemitism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.?
A: Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed outside an event at the museum on Wednesday night.
Q: Who is the suspect in custody?
A: The suspect is Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, who was taken into custody after the shooting.
Q: What was the response from authorities?
A: Mayor Muriel Bowser and other authorities condemned the act of violence and hate, and assured the community that there was no active threat.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest news?
A: You can get the latest breaking news from North Texas and beyond by following reputable news sources and official social media accounts.
