“made for Gaza”: What is known so far about the murder of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington?

Two members of Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, United States, have been shot to death. A suspect is being interviewed by the Metropolitan Police and the FBI.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bonigo said the shooting occurred near the FBI's Fuchere Office in Washington and that members of this agency reacted immediately and offered assistance after the attack, television reports CNN, broadcast Periscope.

The suspect was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago. He cheered “Free Palest” while holding the ban. He wasn't known for the police before. Police say they believe he was the sole assailant and there was no active danger at the scene.

The early “Tellers are that this is an act of targeted violence” he wrote on the X network.

The U.S. chief prosecutor's office is at the scene and the FBI is analyzing the evidence at the FBI's Board Office in Washington, Bonno added.

Israeli officials expressed anger and condolences after fatal shootings in Washington. Israeli President Isaac Herzeg said the United States and its country “will remain united in the defence of our people and our common values” following the attack.

I'm destroyed by scenes in Washington. This is a disgusting act of hatred, antisemitism, which took the lives of two young Israeli Embassy employees” he wrote on the X network.

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Saéar said that “Israel will not be handed over to terrorism”.

Horrible <x0m> left this morning with the shocking terrorist attack, in which two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington were killed” ) wrote the Israeli chief diplomat on the X network.

One witness, Sara Marinuzi, told CNN television that the man accused of killing the young couple near the Jewish Museum in Washington on Wednesday evening “claimed to be witnessing” and waited for police to arrive at the scene for more than ten minutes before claiming that “I did this for Gaza”.

The man even asked for security to call the police, Marinuz said. But as the police arrived, the witness said the man took responsibility for the crime, saying: “I did this, I did it for Gaza. Free Palestine! ”

Both victims were leading a museum organization. The American Jewish Committee said it had organized the event that evening at the museum.

A local police official said the suspect was seen moving near the museum before the shooting. He then approached a group of four and opened fire with a pistol.

US Ambassador to Washington said the two killed were couples planning to get engaged. /Periscope/