Two Israeli Embassy staffers shot dead in D.C. by gunman who yelled ‘Free, Free Palestine’

2 Israeli Embassy staffers were assassinated Wednesday night by a suspect who yelled “Free, Free Palestine” after being apprehended inside the Capital Jewish Museum in the District of Columbia, authorities stated.

Metropolitan Cops Chief Pamela A. Smith stated officers took Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, into custody following the fatal shooting around 9:10 p.m. in the 500 block of 3rd Street Northwest.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recognized the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, The Associated Press stated.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter stated they were a “stunning couple” who were days far from getting taken part in Jerusalem.

” The dreadful occurrence is going to terrify a great deal of individuals in our city and in our nation, and I wish to be clear that we will not endure violence or hate in our city,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated. “We will not endure the acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a neighborhood in the coming days and weeks to send out a clear message that we will not endure antisemitism.”

Authorities did not reveal the charges versus Mr. Rodriguez throughout an interview late Wednesday.

Steven Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Workplace, stated the federal detectives are checking out prospective terrorism and hate criminal offense offenses for the suspect.

Authorities stated the suspect was seen pacing backward and forward outside the Capital Jewish Museum, which was hosting an occasion, simply prior to the shooting.

Chief Smith stated the suspect approached a group of 4 individuals, took out a pistol and opened fire on the victims.

He then tossed the weapon and went inside the museum, authorities stated, where he was apprehended by the occasion security. The suspect suggested he performed the shooting and shouted “Free, Free Palestine” quickly later.

Authorities stated the male and the lady passed away at the scene.

” We will not hesitate together. We’ll stand. We’re going to conquer the ethical wickedness of individuals who believe that they’re going to accomplish political gains through murder,” Mr. Leiter stated.

The Israeli ambassador included that President Trump called him to state his administration is going to do whatever it can to eliminate the antisemitism and hatred being directed towards Israel.

” These awful D.C. killings, based clearly on antisemitism, should end, now!” Trump composed on Fact Social after the shooting. “Hatred and Radicalism have no location in the U.S.A..”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace stated Thursday that he was “surprised” by the “dreadful, antisemitic” shooting, according to AP.

” We are seeing the horrible rate of antisemitism and wild incitement versus Israel,” he stated in a declaration.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, stated on X that the shooting was a “base act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

” Hurting diplomats and the Jewish neighborhood is crossing a red line.”