"Crying Freedom for Palestine"

"Crying Freedom for Palestine"

"Crying Freedom for Palestine"... Attacker Kills Two Outside Jewish Museum in Washington

A shooting occurred outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, coinciding with an event held at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in two deaths. Media outlets reported that the attacker, a Chicago native, shot a man and a woman before attempting to enter the museum building.

The attacker was identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old American from Chicago, who shot the employees at close range. The Israeli embassy announced that two of its employees were killed "while attending an event at the Jewish Museum." It added that it "confidence in the ability of federal authorities to protect the Jewish community."

"Freedom for Palestine"

It also noted that the two victims were participating in the event organized by the American Jewish Committee. American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch also confirmed that the committee was hosting an event at the museum located northwest of Washington. Officials said that "the suspected shooter shouted 'Freedom for Palestine' during his arrest," according to NBC News.

"Senselessly"

For her part, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed in a post on her Twitter account that two Israeli embassy employees were senselessly killed near the Jewish Museum in the capital. She added that the investigation is ongoing, stressing that authorities will "bring this corrupt perpetrator to justice," as she put it.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, described the attack as an anti-Semitic act of terrorism. Later, the Metropolitan Police Department clarified in a press conference that the attacker opened fire before entering the museum, killing two people.

 They also noted that the attacker, originally from Chicago, shouted "Free Palestine," adding that he was arrested and surrendered his weapon.  They also confirmed that the investigation into the suspect is ongoing, and that the information available is still preliminary, adding that it will take time to determine the motive.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it a horrific crime motivated by anti-Semitism. He added on his Truth Social platform: "These horrific crimes in Washington, D.C., clearly motivated by anti-Semitism, must stop, now!" He also stressed that there is no place in the United States for "hate and extremism."

For his part, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that authorities are "tracking down those responsible" for the deadly shooting. He wrote on Twitter: "This is a blatant act of cowardly and anti-Semitic violence... We will track down those responsible and bring them to justice."