Outside a Jewish museum near the U.S. Capitol, two Israeli embassy staffers were gunned down late Wednesday.
Their killer shouted “Free Palestine” as he opened fire—an act that US President Donald Trump slammed as “anti-Semitism, plain and simple.”
The couple, young and in love, were planning to get engaged next week in Jerusalem.
“He bought the ring this week,” said Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter.
Instead, their lives were stolen outside an event meant to celebrate Jewish heritage and unity.
The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was arrested at the scene.
What Happened?
Police say he calmly walked into the museum after the shooting, where security detained him.
“He approached four people, pulled a gun, and started shooting,” said D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith.
Israeli and US leaders have called it a hate crime.
“This was a despicable act,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “We will not be broken.”
In a city used to tough debates, this one crossed a line.
As the Jewish community mourns, one message echoes loud: hatred may shout, but unity doesn’t back down.
