Global leaders condemn shooting of 'Israeli' embassy staff in Washington
The fatal shooting of two ''Israeli'' Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025, has drawn sharp condemnation from leaders around the world.
The attacker, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest, prompting widespread denunciation of the incident as antisemitic violence. Below is a summary of key international reactions.
'Israel': “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviosly on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”
''Israeli'' President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow, saying, “I was devastated by what I witnessed in Washington, D.C.” He called the attack “an act steeped in hatred and antisemitism that claimed the lives of two members of our embassy.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar described it as a “shocking terrorist attack,” confirming ongoing cooperation with US authorities and emphasizing the rising dangers to ''Israeli'' diplomats: “Our representatives are always at risk, especially now.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased security measures at ''Israeli'' missions worldwide in response.
United States: “These horrible D.C. killings must end, NOW!”
US President Donald Trump condemned the shooting as rooted in “antisemitism,” writing on Truth Social: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviosly on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.” He extended condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the urgent need to stop such hate-driven violence.
Senator Chuck Schumer called the shooting a “sickening act of antisemitism,” urging heightened vigilance. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser reassured residents that no ongoing threat remains, while acknowledging the trauma felt by the local Jewish community.
Germany:'shocked' by 'anti-Semitic violence'
Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Thursday he was "shocked" by the killing of two 'Israeli' embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington.
"There is no justification for anti-Semitic violence," Wadephul posted on X, saying he was "shocked" by late Wednesday's shooting.
Antisemitische Gewalt ist durch nichts zu rechtfertigen. Ich bin schockiert über den heimtückischen Mord an zwei Mitarbeitern der israelischen Botschaft in #Washington. Lieber @gidonsaar, in Gedanken bin ich bei den Kollegen des @IsraelMFA & den Familien der Getöteten.
— Johann Wadephul (@AussenMinDE) May 22, 2025
Italy: “Scenes of terror and violence”
Italy’s Foreign Ministry condemned the “scenes of terror and violence” in Washington, framing the attack as an assault on shared values of peace and coexistence. Italy reaffirmed its stance against hatred based on identity or nationality.
Sono vicino allo Stato d’Israele per il tragico assassinio di due giovani dipendenti dell’ambasciata israeliana a #Washington. Scene di terrore e violenza da condannare con forza. L’antisemitismo figlio dell’odio contro gli ebrei va fermato, gli orrori del passato non possono più…
— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) May 22, 2025
United Kingdom: “Horrified by this appalling antisemitic shooting”
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described himself as “horrified” by the “appalling, antisemitic” attack. He extended condolences to the victims’ families and the 'Israeli' people, affirming the UK’s resolve to fight antisemitism and ensure justice.
France condemns 'abhorrent act of anti-Semitic barbarity' in Washington
Horrified by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) May 22, 2025
We condemn this appalling, antisemitic crime.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and colleagues at this awful time.
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday condemned the killing of two ''Israeli'' embassy staffers in Washington as "an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity".
"The murder of two members of the 'Israeli' embassy near the Jewish Museum in Washington is an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity," he posted on X in English. "Nothing can justify such violence."
The murder of two members of the Israeli embassy near the Jewish Museum in Washington is an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity. Nothing can justify such violence.
— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) May 22, 2025
My thoughts go to their loved ones, their colleagues, and the State of Israel.
