At a press conference held at the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) headquarters, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Police Chief Pamela Smith, and federal partners provided updates on the tragedy.
“I want to start by sending our condolences to the loved ones of the victims who were senselessly a victim of these crimes,” Mayor Bowser stated, also extending prayers to the museum staff and guests. “What I do know is that the horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city and in our country and want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city. We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism.” Mayor Bowser assured the public that there was no active threat.
MPD Chief Pamela Smith detailed the preliminary findings. “At approximately 9:08 PM tonight, we received multiple calls for a shooting in the area of Third Street and F Street Northwest,” Chief Smith said. Officers found an adult male and an adult female unconscious and not breathing; both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that both victims were exiting an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum… when the shooting occurred,” Smith continued. “We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody.”
According to the Chief, the suspect “was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents.” After the shooting, event security detained the suspect.
“Once in handcuffs, the suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered. And he implied that he committed the offense,” Smith added. While in custody, the suspect reportedly chanted “free, free Palestine.”
The suspect has been tentatively identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois.
Steve Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, also spoke, expressing condolences and confirming the Bureau’s involvement.
“Tonight, a heinous crime was committed, and the FBI stands with the Metropolitan Police Department to help not only investigate the homicide and provide support, but also to look into ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on a bias-based crime or a hate crime,” Jensen stated. He praised the MPD for their quick action in apprehending the suspect.
The press conference was also attended by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Judge Pirro, and Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Leichter, who was expected to give remarks.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Two people were killed in a tragic shooting incident that unfolded outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that two Israeli Embassy staff members were the victims of the shooting.
Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, vehemently condemned the attack, labeling it “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.”
In a statement, Ambassador Danon declared, “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.”
The shooting occurred while the museum was hosting an event for the American Jewish Committee (AJC), according to sources familiar with the matter.
Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the scene on F Street NW. The identities of the deceased, a man and a woman, have not yet been released.
“I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC, Capital Jewish Museum with
@USAttyPirro. Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” said US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
“My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated as we are able,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
Further details are expected to be released at a press briefing shortly. This story will be updated.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
