Police investigate deadly shooting, Israeli diplomat among those deceased
Share this @internewscast.com

The shooting happened outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Northwest D.C.

WASHINGTON — A couple soon to be engaged, a man and woman affiliated with the Israeli Embassy, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Northwest D.C. on Wednesday night.

Elias Rodriguez, 30, hailing from Chicago, was detained by MPD following the shooting incident. Rodriguez is said to have entered the Capital Jewish Museum during an event and shouted “Free, free Palestine,” before police arrested him, as reported by MPD Chief Pamela Smith. 

“There is no active threat to the community,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said Wednesday night, 

The assailant allegedly fired at four individuals, wounding two who were stationed outside the museum. Early on Thursday, Bowser characterized the incident as an act of terrorism. 

“The horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city and in our country, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence and hate in our city,” Bowser said. “We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism.” 

Chief Smith described what she said happened after Rodriguez was arrested by MPD. 

“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 said. “The suspected chanted ‘free, free Palestine’ while in custody.” 

“Purchased a ring this week.”

The man and woman killed have only been identified as a couple, who were expected to get engaged while in Jerusalem next week. 

Yeichel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, said the man and woman, who were shot and killed, had been recently engaged.

“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Leiter said. “They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”

Leiter added that he had spoken to President Donald Trump on the phone about the shooting, through Attorney General Pamela Bondi’s cellphone. 

“(Trump) told me that his administration is going to do everything he can possibly do to fight and end antisemitism and the hatred that’s being directed — the demonization and the delegitimization of the State of Israel,” Leiter said. “Together with President Trump, our Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will stand together tall and firm and confront this moral depravity without fear.” 

MPD was asking people to avoid the area of 3rd and F Streets NW. 

The early Thursday morning press conference was the first public appearance by Jeannine Pirro in her new role as Interim US Attorney for D.C. Pirro appeared alongside Bondi,  Bowser and Smith. Steve Jensen, the assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office of the FBI, was also at the presser as the bureau was investigating the attack as a hate crime. 

“I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum with US Attorney Pirro,” Bondi said. “Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.” 

Nearby university campus placed on lockdown:

Alerts were issued for Georgetown University’s Capitol Campus, which operates some of the school’s law and public policy offices, asking people to avoid the campus. A graduate student at the university’s public policy school told WUSA9 that she had been asked not to leave a university building as police continue to investigate the shooting. 

“We got out of class at 9:40, and when we went to leave, the cops and security were downstairs and told us we can’t leave,” the Georgetown student said at 11 p.m. “And they are still here telling us we can’t leave.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Brutal downtown brawl leaves victims bloodied as Cincinnati police launch investigation

Violent Fight in Downtown Cincinnati Results in Injuries; Police Begin Investigation

Police in Cincinnati are investigating a viral video that shows what appears…
US and EU agree to trade deal. Here's what to know

US and EU Forge Trade Agreement: Key Details You Need to Know

The import taxes levied when Americans purchase European goods may lead to…
Travis Decker speaking to police.

Police Release Disheartening Update on Major Travis Decker in Search for Fugitive Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters

COPS have released an update on their search for dad Travis Decker,…
BREAKING: Leading Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Israel of Gaza Genocide

Israeli Human Rights Organizations Accuse Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for…
Bryan Kohberger questioned: Inside his first interview with police after Idaho student murders

Inside Bryan Kohberger’s First Police Interview After the Idaho Student Murders

Bryan Kohberger, responsible for the deaths of four University of Idaho students,…
Police investigating a stabbing scene at a Walmart.

Michigan Walmart Knife Attack: Suspect Identified; Authorities Pursue Terror Charges After 11 Injured

POLICE have revealed the identity of the suspect in the knife attack…

Terrifying Blaze Breaks Out Near Crowded Beach, Forcing Panicked Tourists to Flee as Wildfires Strike Yet Another European Hotspot

THIS is the horror moment beachgoers were surrounded by smoke as a…
George Lucas tells Comic-Con crowd his new museum in LA's Exposition Park will be 'a temple to the people's art'

George Lucas Announces LA’s New Museum at Comic-Con as ‘A Temple for People’s Art’

SAN DIEGO — George Lucas made his debut on the Comic-Con stage…
Chicago police release surveillance images of SUV in Pilsen hit-and-run that killed Marcela Herrera

Surveillance Images of SUV Released by Chicago Police in Pilsen Hit-and-Run Killing Marcela Herrera

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police have shared images of an SUV sought…
Jet plane flying low over a crowded beach.

Frightening Scene as Tourists Shout While Fighter Jet Performs Daring Low Flights and Aerobatics above Spanish Beach

THIS is the terrifying moment tourists screamed in horror as a fighter…
Elmhurst flooding today: Storm brings heavy rain to west suburb, floods buildings, homes and streets, prompting road closures

Severe Storms Hit Elmhurst: Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Homes and Streets, Leading to Road Closures in West Suburb

ELMHURST, Ill. (WLS) — Storms brought gusty winds, lightning and heavy rain…

Three people perish in small plane crash off California coast, officials report

MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) — All three individuals aboard a small twin-engine airplane…