Tragedy in D.C.: Anti-Semitic attack claims Israeli diplomats
"This is a terrible price of anti-Semitism and violent incitement against Israel," wrote Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. On that day, two Israeli embassy employees were killed in a shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
What do you need to know?
- Where and when did the attack occur? On Wednesday evening (around 22:00 GMT), two Israeli diplomats were shot outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- Who were the victims? The victims were a young couple of diplomats who were planning a wedding in Jerusalem.
- Who is suspected of committing the crime? The police arrested 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, who was shouting "free Palestine" during the arrest.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed deep concern after the murder of the pair of Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C. He believes the crime had an anti-Semitic background.
"This is a terrible price of anti-Semitism and violent incitement against Israel. Anti-Semitic slanders directed at Israel result in bloodshed, and we will fight them until they end," Netanyahu emphasised in a statement. The Prime Minister also ordered enhanced security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, also commented on the tragic events, writing on platform X that it was a "despicable, anti-Semitic act of hatred." Herzog noted that the United States and Israel remain united in defending their nations and values.
Trump reacts to the murder of Israeli diplomats
Donald Trump also commented on the tragic reports from Washington, D.C., on social media. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!" wrote the former President of the United States on Truth Social.
American police have already arrested the alleged perpetrator of the attack. He is 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, previously unrecorded. During the arrest, Elias was shouting "free, free Palestine."
The situation in the Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly dire. Over 2 million Palestinians are waiting for urgent deliveries of food, medicine, and other essential goods. As reported by the Qatari television channel Al Jazeera, Israel's halt to delivering humanitarian aid is worsening the crisis.
