Two Israeli embassy staffers killed in Washington shooting, suspect held

Thursday, 22 May 2025 08:35

By Reuters

Two Israeli embassy staff were killed in a shooting while attending an event at a museum in Washington DC on Wednesday night, and a suspect is in custody, officials said.

An FBI field office and the US attorney's office confirmed the shooting, while Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, said two of its staff members were shot "at close range".

Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said a single suspect who was seen pacing outside the museum before the event was in custody.

The suspect, tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, she said, adding he had no previous contact with police.

President Donald Trump condemned the shooting in a post on Truth Social saying "hatred" does not "have a place in the USA".

Israeli President Isaac Herzog and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also condemned the incident.

They were a young couple about to be engaged to be married, the Israeli ambassador said.

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