Jewish Museum Shooting: Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed In Washington DC Firing, Were A Young Couple About To Get Engaged

Washington, DC: A young Israeli couple working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot on Wednesday evening (May 21) in what officials are describing as a targeted anti-Semitic attack. The victims, identified as Yaron and Sarah, had been planning to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

The couple, both members of the Israeli diplomatic mission, were gunned down near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC, close to the FBI’s Washington Field Office. According to Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, Yaron had recently purchased an engagement ring and had planned to propose next week.

“They were a beautiful couple,” Leiter told The Times of Israel. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing in Jerusalem.”

Israel Embassy's Official Statement

"The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss," the embassy of Israel to the US wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

It added, "Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time."

Have a look at their post here:

Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said that the alleged shooter, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was arrested shortly after the attack. He reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.

“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was seen pacing outside the museum. He approached a group of four, drew a handgun, and opened fire,” said Chief Smith during a press briefing. The two embassy staffers were found unconscious and not breathing, and despite resuscitation efforts, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Calls for Justice Erupt

The incident sparked widespread condemnation from both US and Israeli officials. US President Donald Trump labelled the attack “obviously antisemitic,” posting on Truth Social. “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA... God bless you all," he added.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also responded on social media, saying, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight... We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities treating the attack as a hate-driven act of terror.

Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025, 02:18 PM IST