Killing of Israeli diplomats in an armed attack near the Jewish Museum in Washington.
Two Israeli diplomats were killed on Wednesday evening, May 21, during a shooting near the Jewish museum in the American capital, Washington, in an incident that sparked wide official and international reactions.
The victims were identified as embassy employees Yaron Leshinski and Sarah Milgram, who were shot near the museum hosting a diplomatic event organized by the American Jewish Committee.
Israeli media reports indicated that the attacker, wearing a keffiyeh and chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, was immediately arrested.
Washington police revealed his identity as Elias Rodriguez, 31 years old, stating that he had no prior criminal or security record.
The attack took place in a vital area northwest of the capital, close to sensitive security facilities including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force swiftly moved to the scene to investigate.
U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen, expressed her shock over the incident on X platform, saying, "Two embassy employees were killed tonight near the Jewish museum in Washington without any sense."
FBI Director, Cash Patel, confirmed receiving a full briefing on the details, urging in a tweet to "pray for the victims and their families," while security authorities continue their investigations.
Internationally, Israel's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, described the incident as a "terrorist act against anti-Semitism," stating on X platform that "targeting diplomats and the Jewish community crosses all red lines," expressing confidence that "U.S. authorities will take necessary actions against those responsible for this crime."
This incident comes at a time when the American capital is witnessing escalating tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, amid increased security measures around Jewish and diplomatic facilities in the city.
