President Donald Trump Condemns Deadly Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, D.C.
President Donald Trump has spoken out following the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening, May 21.
The victims, believed to be a young couple, were fatally shot near a Jewish museum in the nation’s capital shortly after attending an event. Reports indicate the couple was leaving the museum around 9:05 p.m. local time when a gunman opened fire at close range.
While details remain limited, authorities have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before targeting a group of four people, including the couple. Security personnel intervened and stopped the attacker, but not before two victims were tragically killed.
Following his arrest, Rodriguez reportedly shouted “free, free Palestine” and appeared to admit to the shooting, even directing police to the location where he discarded the weapon.
In response to the attack, President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to denounce the violence and highlight its antisemitic nature.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” he declared. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
The incident has shocked the nation and reignited urgent calls for unity against hate and violence.
President Trump also expressed his heartfelt sympathies, tweeting:
“Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
The tragic shooting struck an even deeper chord after Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, revealed the victims were a young couple planning to get engaged. Leiter shared that the male victim had recently purchased an engagement ring, intending to propose during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.
“They were a beautiful couple,” he said, mourning the loss.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack as a “despicable act of hatred” and antisemitism.
In a powerful statement on Twitter, Herzog affirmed,
“America and Israel will stand united in defence of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”
The heartbreaking events underscore a renewed urgency to combat hate-driven violence and stand firmly against antisemitism worldwide.