WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 21, 2025 — Authorities have identified Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, as the suspect in the deadly shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night. Law enforcement officials confirmed Rodriguez had no prior contact with police before this attack.
The shooting, which occurred near 3rd and F Streets NW—close to the museum, an FBI field office, and the U.S. attorney’s office—claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members, believed to be a couple. The attack took place during a Jewish event at the museum, with the victims shot at close range.
Eyewitness reports and law enforcement sources say Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting. Upon being taken into custody, he reportedly chanted: “Free Palestine, Free Palestine.” A weapon was recovered at the scene.
President Donald Trump condemned the shooting, calling it a “horrible” act rooted in hatred:
“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 expressed heartbreak over the tragedy:
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of anti-Semitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.”
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed a federal investigation is underway and vowed to bring the “depraved perpetrator” to justice.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, confirmed the victims were staff members attending the event. Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, labeled the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and expressed confidence in U.S. authorities to act decisively.
- The shooting occurred around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday near the Capital Jewish Museum.
- Two Israeli embassy staff were fatally shot at close range.
- The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, is in custody.
- Motive is still under investigation, but officials are treating the incident as a possible hate crime or terror act.
- A firearm was recovered at the scene.
- Federal and local authorities are coordinating on the case.
