Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy
were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night in what
authorities are investigating as a targeted attack.
The victims, a couple who were reportedly planning to
become engaged, were gunned down around 9 p.m. as they exited an event at the
museum, located roughly five miles from the Israeli Embassy.
Police identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a
30-year-old resident of Chicago. According to officials, Rodriguez was seen
pacing near the museum prior to the incident and allegedly brandished a handgun
before opening fire on the pair at close range.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum,
where he was apprehended by event security. As he was taken into custody, he
reportedly shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” according to DC Metropolitan Police
Chief Pamela Smith.
An Israeli Embassy spokesperson confirmed the victims
were shot at close range. Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel
Leiter, revealed that the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring
and planned to propose in Jerusalem next week.
The identities of the victims have not been released
as of Thursday morning.
Speaking in the wake of the tragedy, Ambassador Leiter
said, “I will say this — we are a resilient people.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind
the attack, and heightened security measures have been implemented around the
embassy and affiliated locations.
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