Chants of “Free Palestine” echoed in police custody as new details emerged about a devastating shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night. The tragedy claimed the lives of two Israeli Embassy staffers who were reportedly a couple soon to be engaged. The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriquez of Chicago, is now in custody as authorities investigate what many are calling a targeted antisemitic attack.
The incident unfolded during a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee’s DC Young Professional Board. Attendees were gathered to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Israel and Gaza when gunfire shattered the evening. According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the shooting occurred just steps from Capitol Hill and the FBI headquarters, in what is quickly becoming one of the most disturbing hate-motivated crimes in recent D.C. memory.
A video obtained by Jewish Insider shows the suspected shooter, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, in the lobby of the Capital Jewish Museum chanting “free, free Palestine” as he is detained by police and removed from the building.
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Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and heartbreak. One attendee posted on social media that the victims—both Israeli nationals—had been working closely with Ambassador Yechiel Leiter and were planning to announce their engagement. The emotional weight of the moment deepened when it was revealed that shortly after the attack, a man entered the museum wearing a keffiyeh, again shouting “Free Palestine,” before being removed by police.
Video footage circulating online appears to confirm that Rodriquez continued to chant the same phrase while in police custody. Law enforcement officials are still working to determine the full scope and motive of the attack, though early evidence strongly suggests it was an act of antisemitism.
Local D.C. media reported the presence of high-profile figures from the Trump administration at the scene, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi, former Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, and former Acting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Bondi took part in a press briefing, emphasizing that federal and local authorities are fully mobilized to protect the Jewish community and bring justice to those affected.
Former President Donald Trump responded on social media Thursday morning, condemning the attack and urging an end to hate-fueled violence. “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” he wrote. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
The investigation is ongoing, with officials promising swift accountability as communities across the country react to the chilling violence.
