'Israeli' embassy in US identifies staffers killed in DC shooting

The Embassy of 'Israel' to the United States has identified the two victims killed in Tuesday’s shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., as Yaron and Sarah — both staff members at the embassy and described as “friends and colleagues” by officials.

In a statement released Wednesday, the embassy said the pair were “in the prime of their lives” when they were shot and killed by a gunman as they exited a diplomatic event hosted at the museum.

“This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC,” the embassy posted on social media. “The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss.”

Authorities have identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago. Witnesses and police say Rodriguez chanted “Free Palestine” during the attack and while being taken into custody. He reportedly told officers, “I did it for Gaza.”

The shooting, which took place shortly after 9 p.m., targeted a group of four people leaving an American Jewish Committee event. Yaron and Sarah, believed to be a couple, were killed at close range. Security detained the suspect shortly after.

“Our hearts are with their families,” the embassy added, “and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”

The FBI is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime or act of terrorism. Israeli and U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the attack as a brutal act of antisemitism.