Washington shooter killed Israeli embassy staff ‘for Gaza’, chanted ‘Free Palestine’

US embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen wrote on X that the victims—a man and a woman—were shot “at close range.”

“We have full faith in law-enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” said Cohen.

Police are questioning Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, who is believed to have acted alone. Following the shooting, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum, where he was detained.

DC Police Chief Pamela Smith said Wednesday night that the suspect chanted, “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.

A statement posted online in Rodriguez' name on what appears to be his personal X profile, titled "Escalate for Gaza, bring the war home", sought to offer an "explication" for his actions.

Sections of the lengthy text included "public opinion has shifted against the genocidal state" and praised former soldier Aaron Bushell, who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in protest at the war, saying his "sacrifice was not made in vain".

Apparently alluding to the impending murder, it added: "The action would have been morally justified taken 11 years ago...around the time I personally became acutely aware of our brutal conduct in Palestine.

"But I think to most Americans, such an action would have been illegible, would seem insane.

"I am glad that, today at least, there are many Americans for which the action will be highly legible and, in some funny way, the only sane thing to do"

The suspect was reportedly seen pacing outside the museum before opening fire on a group of four, Chief Smith said.

The police "have not had any prior interactions" with Rodriguez, she added, noting that they “don't see anything in his background that would have placed him on our radar”.

The suspect was allegedly a member of a radical left-wing group that advocated on behalf of Palestinians, according to The Times of Israel.

The report suggested that, in 2017, he took part in a demonstration outside the residence of then-Chicago mayor, Rahm Emanuel, as a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

The campaign group urged its followers on Wednesday to sign an “anti-Genocide” pledge, denouncing “the genocide of the Palestinian people, including the mass deportation, forced starvation, and destruction of Gaza and its population”.

Based on his LinkedIn profile, the suspect has worked as an administrative specialist for a Chicago-based American Osteopathic Association since 2024.

After writing for WikiHow between 2018-2019, he became an oral history researcher for The History Makers, an online archive preserving “untold personal stories” of African Americans.

Rodriguez was born and raised in Chicago, according to his profile on The History Makers’ website, and he holds a BA in English from the University of Illinois Chicago. He now lives in the state’s Avondale neighbourhood.

“He enjoys reading and writing fiction, live music, film, and exploring new places,” the profile said.

An AI analysis of a Goodreads account, purportedly connected to the suspect's email address, revealed that he “has a strong interest in Marxism, Maoism, anti-imperialism, and critiques of capitalism”, according to intelligence analyst Travis Hawley.

Hawley also shared screenshots of Spotify playlists allegedly linked to Rodriguez' profile, which included titles by Muslimgauze - a project of the late British musician Bryn Jones which released albums such as Hamas Arc and Vote Hezbollah. Another public playlist linked to the same account featured an image that included the phrase “kill all cops”

Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter revealed that the victims were a couple who were about to be engaged. The man had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose next week in Jerusalem.

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, told ABC News that his organisation was hosting an event at the museum that evening.

“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” Deutch said. “At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”

Danny Danon, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the incident as a “depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.”

“Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” Danon wrote on X. “We are confident that US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives everywhere in the world.”

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force was involved in probing the attack, according to local media reports.

US President Donald Trump extended condolences to the victims. “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” he wrote on Truth Social. “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”

US Attorney General Pam Bondi visited the scene and said she was “praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the attack, expressing outrage and emphasising that representatives of the Jewish state are under constant threat.

“Horrified by this morning’s terrorist attack, in which two of our embassy staff in Washington, DC, were murdered. Israeli representatives around the world are constantly exposed to heightened risk, especially in these times,” he said. “We are in close contact with American authorities. Israel will not surrender to terror.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated: “I am devastated by the scenes in Washington, DC This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.

“Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured,” he continued. “I send my full support to the ambassador and all the embassy staff. We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US”

He added that “America and Israel will stand united in defence of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”

Karen Pollock CBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Holocaust Educational Trust is horrified by last night's terrorist murder outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. 

"Since 7 October 2023, we have witnessed a sustained and deeply troubling rise in anti-Jewish hatred around the world.

"History has taught us where this path of antisemitism can lead – and this murderous attack is a stark and painful reminder.

"Our hearts goes out to all who knew Sarah and Yaron. May their memories be a blessing.”

Sarah Milgrim’s LinkedIn profile reads: ‘I am a dynamic professional with a Master's in International Affairs from American University and a Master’s in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from The University for Peace. My passion lies at the intersection of peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work. While working with Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv, Israel, I conducted comprehensive research on peacebuilding theory, emphasising grassroots initiatives in the Israeli-Palestinian region. My diverse experiences, including facilitating insightful discussions on geopolitics in Israel and Palestine as a Jewish Educator, and researching an array of environmental topics in India and Central America, reflect my commitment to fostering understanding between different peoples. With a certification of Religious Engagement in Peacebuilding from the United States Institute of Peace and a skill set spanning policy analysis, religious dialogue, and environmental advocacy, I am eager to contribute to organisations dedicated to bridging divides, promoting religious harmony, and advancing sustainable practices.”

Her partner, Yaron Lichinsky was born in Germany and made aliyah at 16. His LinkedIn profile reads: “I'm an ardent believer in the vision that was outlined in the Abraham Accords and believe that expanding the circle of peace with our Arab neighbours and pursuing regional cooperation is in the best interest of the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole. To this end, I advocate for interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding. Beyond MENA I closely follow political developments in the United States, Europe, and Asia.”