Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum on the evening of May 21, 2025. The victims, a young couple on the verge of engagement, had attended a Jewish event hosted by the American Jewish Committee earlier that evening. They were ambushed near 3rd and F Streets NW as they were leaving the event.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene. Witnesses reported that he was pacing near the museum before the shooting and, upon arrest, chanted “Free Palestine.” Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez had no prior criminal history. The FBI and Washington Metropolitan Police are investigating the incident as a potential act of anti-Semitic terrorism.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. U.S. President Donald Trump labeled it an “obviously antisemitic” act. Israeli President Isaac Herzog and UN Ambassador Danny Danon also condemned the shooting, with Danon calling it a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have pledged a thorough investigation.
The Capital Jewish Museum, located at 575 3rd Street NW, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Jewish life in the Washington, D.C., area. The museum was formerly known as the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington and reopened in its current location in 2021.
As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind this tragic event.
Police Activity Washington dc Picture on Flickr by Mr.TinMD
