Two Israeli Embassy staffers shot dead in Washington

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The North News

New Delhi, May 22

Two staff members from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, local police confirmed. The victims, identified by the embassy as Yaron and Sarah, were attending an event at the museum when the shooting occurred. Both were described as being “in the prime of their lives” by the Embassy of Israel to the USA.

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a man in his early 30s from Chicago, was taken into custody shortly after the attack. While in police custody, Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” and “implied” responsibility for the shooting, Smith added.

In a statement, the Israeli embassy said it was “heartbroken and devastated” by the killings. “No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time,” it said.

The motive behind the attack is under investigation, and federal authorities are working alongside D.C. police.