FBI agents and police officers work outside the Capital Jewish Museum following the shooting. Pic/AFP
According to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, the victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting. After open firing, he entered the museum and was detained by event security. Upon being detained, he began chanting "Free, free Palestine"
The horrific attack at Washington DC has prompted Israeli missions worldwide to increase security measures. The shooting comes amid Israel’s renewed offensive in the Gaza Strip in its ongoing war with Hamas, a conflict that has escalated tensions across the Middle East and the globe
Upon hearing news of the shooting, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media, saying, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” He further stated, “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA"
Following the news of the horrific shooting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the nation is “shocked by the horrific, antisemitic attack.” He furthee added that "We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and the dangerous incitement against Israel"
According to Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, the victims killed in the shooting were a young couple who were about to be engaged. He revealed that the man had purchased a ring earlier this week with plans to propose next week in Jerusalem. However, their identities were not immediately released
Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy, while the man was Israeli. Additionally, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he had spoken with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who informed him that US President Donald Trump was actively involved in overseeing the response to the incident and that the United States would ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice
Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher, who were inside the museum when they heard the gunshots, said a visibly distressed man entered shortly afterward. Kalin recalled that people initially offered him help and brought him water, unaware that he was the suspect. When police arrived, the man pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly shouted, "Free Palestine"
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