WASHINGTON – Two Israeli Embassy staffers have been shot and killed close to the Capital Jewish Museum Wednesday evening, D.C. police say.
A suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, has been arrested in reference to the taking pictures.
What we all know:
Police say the double taking pictures occurred simply after 9 p.m. exterior of the Capital Jewish Museum within the 300 block of F Avenue, NW. The museum is simply steps away from the FBI’s Washington Discipline Workplace.
Previous to the taking pictures, witnesses reported seeing the suspect pacing exterior the museum. He then allegedly approached a bunch of 4 individuals and shot the 2 victims.
Police say the suspect then entered the museum the place he was detained by occasion safety. Whereas in handcuffs he chanted “free, free Palestine.”
Moreover, police say he defined the place he hid the gun used within the taking pictures and “he implied he dedicated the offense.”
Authorities say they haven’t had any interactions with Rodriguez earlier than and MPD Chief Pamela Smith mentioned there was nothing in his background that might have positioned him on police radar.
Smith says Joint Terrorism Process Drive is working very intently with the FBI to do a deep dive into his background. She additionally says the ATF may also be wanting into how Rodriguez obtained the gun allegedly used within the taking pictures.
What they’re saying:
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter did not establish the victims by title through the press convention Wednesday evening however did say they have been to be engaged throughout an upcoming journey to Jerusalem.
“The younger man bought a hoop this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend subsequent week in Jerusalem,” Leiter mentioned. “They have been an exquisite couple who got here to take pleasure in a night in Washington’s Cultural Heart.”
FOX 5 reached out to the American Jewish Committee (AJC), as they have been internet hosting the occasion on the Capital Jewish Museum.
In a press release, they instructed FOX 5, “American Jewish Committee (AJC) can affirm that we hosted an occasion on the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. this night. We’re devastated that an unspeakable act of violence came about exterior the venue. At this second, as we await extra data from the police about precisely what transpired, our consideration and our hearts are solely with those that have been harmed and their households.”
Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X following the taking pictures, saying that DHS might be a part of the investigation and can “deliver this wicked perpetrator to justice.”
Democratic Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jefferies launched a press release on Monday condemning the taking pictures.
“I’m horrified by the lethal act of anti-Semitic violence at an occasion on the Capital Jewish Museum. As we await further particulars, it’s clear that too a lot of our Jewish brothers and sisters legitimately worry for his or her security on this nation merely on account of their religion. Antisemitism has no place in our nation,” he mentioned, partly. “America will stand firmly with the Jewish group throughout this nice hour of want.”
President Donald Trump additionally issued a remark on Fact Social late Wednesday, saying partly, “These horrible D.C. killings, primarily based clearly on antisemitism, should finish, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism haven’t any place within the USA.”
What’s subsequent:
It is not but clear what costs Rodriguez will face, or if this incident might be investigated as a hate crime and even an act of terrorism. However throughout Wednesday evening’s press convention, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser alluded to it.
“I need to be clear that we are going to not tolerate this violence or hate in our metropolis. We is not going to tolerate any acts of terrorism and we will stand collectively as a group within the coming days and weeks to ship a transparent message that we are going to not tolerate anti-Semitism,” she mentioned.
Lawyer Basic Pam Bondi mentioned she was on the scene with former choose Jeanine Pirro, who now serves because the U.S. legal professional in Washington.
Bondi was additionally current for Wednesday evening’s press convention. She mentioned Pirro might be prosecuting the case and that “this defendant, if charged, might be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the regulation.”
“We might be doing every part in our energy to maintain all residents protected, particularly tonight, our Jewish group,” Bondi mentioned.
