SHOOTING ATTACK: Antisemite Yells ‘Free Palestine’ After Murdering Israeli Embassy Staffers Outside Jewish Museum

A gunman opened fire on two Israeli embassy staffers who were set to get engaged next week, outside of a Jewish museum in Washington DC Wednesday night before yelling “free Palestine’ while being arrested.

Congressman Abe Hamadeh (R, Chicago) revealed that the suspect yelled the anti Israel slogan before carrying out the murders.

Police arrested suspect Elias Rodrigues, 30, of Chicago, IL. He is currently in FBI custody.

Both victims are believed to have sadly passed away as a result of the attack, but the identities of those shot are not yet available.

The gunfire occurred outside an event hosted at the Capital Jewish Museum, the sources reported.

The incident took place at a reception organized by the American Jewish Committee’s DC Young Professional Board.

Witnesses reported that, shortly after the shooting, a man wearing a keffiyeh entered the museum, shouted “Free Palestine,” and was subsequently escorted out by police.

Police are currently questioning a person of interest in connection with the shooting, law enforcement sources added.

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, confirmed that the victims were a young couple employed at the Israeli embassy. The man had already purchased a ring and was set to propose to his soon-to-be fiance next week in Jerusalem.

President Donald Trump posted on X responding to the D.C. shooting, stating that the horrific killings in Washington, which he attributes to antisemitism, must stop immediately. Trump emphasized that hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA, offered condolences to the victims’ families, and expressed sadness over such events.

In an exclusive statement provided to Belaaz by Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, President Trump’s nominee to serve as antisemitism envoy, the newly appointed official lamented the murderous attack.

“Tonight, antisemitism reared its ugly head as two members of the Israeli embassy staff were murdered in a savage, antisemitic attack. Upon being taken into custody, the suspect screamed, “Free, free Palestine,” implying his motive,” Kaploun began. “As we await further details, we remain confident in the ability of America’s Department of Justice to bring those responsible to justice.

“We must root out those who use hatred to commit crimes, and we must ensure that individuals who incite violence and spread hateful rhetoric are held accountable. President Trump and his team have made combatting antisemitism a priority.”

Responding to the incident, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said: “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event that took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. – in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured – is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.”

This is a developing story.

🇺🇸🚨 — UPDATE: 2 dead in shooting attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

– Witnesses reported that, shortly after the shooting, a man wearing a keffiyeh entered the museum, shouted “Free Palestine,” and was subsequently escorted out by police.

– Israeli… pic.twitter.com/BLuOGxnhNx

— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) May 22, 2025

On scene near the Capitol Jewish Museum where two people are dead in a shooting incident. pic.twitter.com/V3Zzh4wEFb

— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) May 22, 2025