The attack occurred around 9:30 p.m. local time near the Washington Jewish Museum during an advocacy event hosted by the “Young Diplomats” organization. According to eyewitness reports, the assailant, wearing a keffiyeh, entered the museum and opened fire after shouting, “Free Palestine” .
Emergency Protocol Activated at Israeli Embassy
Following the attack, the Israeli Embassy in Washington entered emergency protocol. U.S. federal authorities launched a rapid investigation, stating that there is no ongoing threat at the site.
Preliminary assessments confirm the shooting was a deliberate anti-Israel assault, seemingly aimed at disrupting and harming participants in the pro-Israel event. U.S. sources identified the gunman as Elias Rodriguez, a Latino male from Chicago.
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Terrorist killed 2 Israeli Embassy staff outside a Jewish museum in the USA. He was shouting “Free Palestine”.
Where are the ‘Free Palestine’ supporters hiding? pic.twitter.com/FG5FDavvgG
— Saffron Chargers (@SaffronChargers) May 22, 2025
Victims Were a Young Couple Preparing for Engagement
Ambassador Yechiel Leiter shared heartbreaking details about the victims, revealing they were a young couple, with the man planning to propose the following week in Jerusalem. “He had just bought the ring,” said Leiter. “They were a beautiful couple enjoying an evening at Washington’s cultural center.”
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Trump Vows to Confront Antisemitism
Ambassador Leiter also reported a conversation with President Donald Trump, who expressed condolences and pledged that his administration would continue to combat antisemitism and push back against the hatred and delegitimization of Israel.
The President posted on social media: “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!”
“We Will Not Be Broken by Terror or Hate”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack in strong terms: “ I am devastated by the scenes in Washington DC. This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.
Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured. I send my full
support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff. We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US.
America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us”.
Danon: “An Antisemitic Act of Terror”
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon echoed Herzog’s sentiments, declaring: “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event that took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line”.
Danon stressed that he is confident U.S. authorities will act decisively against the perpetrator. “ Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world,” he stated.
U.S. Ambassador: “Israel Wakes to a Horrific Act of Terror”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned the attack, writing, “Horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning”.
He noted that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi had contacted him with confirmation of the two fatalities.
