Washington (Quds News Network)- Two Israeli embassy employees were shot and killed Wednesday night near the Jewish Museum in Washington, as Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza fuels global backlash. The incident occurred during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza” as he surrendered peacefully to police. He has participated in various human rights campaigns, including Black Lives Matter.
The shooting comes amid Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, which has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Israel continues to block aid into Gaza, causing famine and a deep humanitarian crisis. The genocide has sparked mass protests and rising public outrage around the world.
US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting. He called it “a clear act of antisemitism”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the shooting as “a shocking antisemitic murder.” He blamed global criticism of Israel for fueling hate, saying, “Blood libels against Israel cost lives.” Netanyahu promised to boost security at Israeli embassies worldwide.
Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon labeled the attack “an antisemitic terrorist act” and demanded US authorities take firm action. Other top Israeli officials echoed similar sentiments, describing the event as hate-fueled violence linked to global protests over Gaza.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the killing as “cowardly and antisemitic” and promised justice. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israeli representatives are “in greater danger than ever.”
Some Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, claimed that political divisions and rising global criticism were putting all Jewish communities at risk.
However, Israeli leader Yair Golan stated that Netanyahu’s rhetoric is behind the increase of ‘antisemetism’.
Rodriguez remains in custody under investigation by local police and the FBI’s counterterrorism unit. Authorities confirmed he acted alone and had no known criminal record or organizational ties.
The shooting highlights deepening global tensions over Israel’s genocide in Gaza and rising fears of violence linked to international outrage.
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