President Donald Trump addressed the public on Truth Social late Wednesday night in response to the tragic shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members near the Capital Jewish Museum.
“These dreadful D.C. killings, clearly fueled by antisemitism, must stop immediately!” he expressed in his Truth Social post. “Hatred and extremism are unwelcome in the United States. My heartfelt condolences go out to the victims’ families. It’s devastating that such incidents can occur! God Bless You ALL!”
Authorities confirmed that a pro-Palestinian individual is in custody, accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers as they departed from an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says they will track down the culprits and bring them to justice.
FBI agents cordon off the scene outside the Capital Jewish Museum following a shooting that left two people dead, in Washington, DC, in the early hours of May 22, 2025. (ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
The Jewish Federations of North America say they are horrified at the reported murder and say they are working to get a clear picture of what happened.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and to our colleagues at AJC, whose event was being held at the museum,” a statement from them said.
“We are working closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and our security partners to monitor the situation, gain a fuller picture of what transpired, and keep our communities informed,” they continued.
They vow that the safety and security of the community is their top priority, and they will not rest until that safety is fully restored.
Police officers work at the site where, according to the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., U.S. May 21, 2025. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst)
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser described the shooting as “horrific,” and assured the community “there is no active threat.” She also said the city “will not tolerate this violence or hate.”
“We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism,” Bowser said, in part. “We will not tolerate antisemitism.”
A 30-year-old man identified as Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, is believed to have committed the act alone and is in custody, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said, adding that his gun was also recovered.
DHS is “actively investigating” the incident and “working to get more information to share.”
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
