BREAKING NEWS: Two foreign embassy staffers shot, killed in Washington, D.C.
UPDATE at 12:12 A.M. on 05/22/2025: Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC’s Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed an adult male and adult female were exiting the Capital Jewish Museum when they were encountered by a suspect, who had been casing back and forth.
The suspect, identified as a 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, produced a handgun and shot both victims. The suspect then proceeded to walk into the museum and was taken into custody. As he was taken into custody, he chanted “free, free Palestine!” as well as stating that he had committed the offense.
The victims were pronounced dead. The victims were a “young couple about to be engaged”. According to an ambassador, the unidentified male victim had bought a ring last week and planned to propose to the unidentified female victim next week in Jerusalem.
Original story: An active and developing story is emerging out of Washington, D.C. after two foreign embassy staffers were killed by gunfire Wednesday night.
Image: NBC 4 Washington
The shooting occurred around 9 P.M. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the area of the Capital Jewish Museum, several blocks away from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Headquarters in Washington.
The Secretary of the United States, Kristi Noem, confirmed the two foreign embassy staffers were part of the Israeli Embassy.
“We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” Noem said in a tweet. The United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi, is reportedly on scene as well. At this time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation says there is no ongoing threat to the public safety.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said in a statement, the shooting was an ‘act of anti-Semitic terrorism’.
Law enforcement are preparing for a press conference at this hour. This is a developing story.
Related stories
LocalBREAKING: Search underway for missing 70-year-old man in Beauregard
LocalMISSING: Columbus police seeking public’s help locating missing 17-year-old
LocalSouthwest Fire Department to Host Annual Chili Dinner and Raffle in Auburn
LocalColumbus Police Chief Stoney Mathis honored at farewell celebration after three and a half years of service
LocalHamilton Police Chief Eric Weiss announces resignation after more than five years