WASHINGTON D.C.: Two employees of the Israeli embassy in the United States have been shot and killed near the Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., according to authorities.
The assailant, who reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” before opening fire on a group of Israeli diplomats, has been apprehended by local police. U.S. media outlets identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.
According to Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Lister, the two victims were in a romantic relationship. He said the male victim had purchased an engagement ring just a week earlier.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it a “brutal killing” and describing it as likely motivated by antisemitism. “There is no place for hate and extremism in America,” he wrote on social media.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also expressed sorrow over the incident.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and security measures surrounding the attack.
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