Israeli Embassy Staff Couple Killed in Washington,...

Israeli Embassy Staff Couple Killed in Washington, DC, suspect says “Free Palestine”

Zim Now Reporter

Two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, according to police. The victims, described by Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. as a “young couple about to be engaged,” were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities identified the suspect in custody as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago. Police stated Rodriguez chanted “Free Palestine” during his arrest. An eyewitness told CNN the individual claimed responsibility, saying he “did it for Gaza” and initially posed as a witness while waiting for police.

As of May 2025, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with Palestinian health authorities reporting over 53,339 killed and 121,034 injured since October 2023, including a sharp escalation in civilian casualties during May 14.

Recent Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas—including schools, refugee camps, and displacement shelters—have killed dozens daily, such as 44 people on May 20 and 82 on May 21, many of whom were women and children 268.

Northern Gaza’s healthcare system has collapsed entirely, with all hospitals rendered nonfunctional by Israeli sieges and direct attacks, including the bombing of the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahia, which left thousands without medical care 4.

The UN and aid agencies warn of widespread starvation, with 2 million people facing acute food insecurity due to Israel’s prolonged blockade, which restricted aid to a mere 5–9 trucks daily in May—far below the 600 trucks required to meet basic needs 368.

Human rights organizations and international courts have accused Israel of systematic violations, including the targeting of women and mothers (over 12,400 killed, including 7,920 mothers) and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, actions labeled as potential war crimes and genocide under international law.

Paige Siegel, who was present at the museum, recounted interacting with Rodriguez before his arrest.

“I asked if he was okay as he repeatedly urged people to call the police. He said he wasn’t injured,” Siegel told CNN. She added that Rodriguez appeared “shaken” and “harmless” until officers arrived, at which point he began shouting “Free Palestine!”

President Donald Trump expressed condolences on Truth Social, condemning antisemitism and stating that “hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal agencies are collaborating with DC authorities to investigate the shooting, emphasizing efforts to “keep our citizens safe.”

DC Police confirmed Rodriguez entered the museum after the shooting and remained there for over 10 minutes before being apprehended. No additional injuries were reported.