President Trump denounced the deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, where two Israeli Embassy staffers were killed and three others were injured on Wednesday night.
The president, who was at the White House on Wednesday for an Oval Office meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the killings were done out of hate and radicalism.
“These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!” he added.
The two embassy staffers — a man and a woman — were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the museum when the gunman opened fire just after 9 p.m, police said.
The gunfire erupted in front of the museum at 575 3rd St NW, near the FBI field office and the US attorney’s office.
Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Chicago resident Elias Rodriguez.
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside the museum, DC Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters. “He approached a group of four people, produced a hand gun and opened fire, striking both of our descendants.”
Rodriguez allegedly entered the museum and was detained by security.
He admitted to the shooting before allegedly chanting “Free, Free Palestine” as he was being arrested, Smith said.
The fatal victims, identified as boyfriend and girlfriend, were expected to get engaged in Israel next week, Israel’s Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said.
`American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch, who hosted the event Wednesday night, mourned the death of the victims.
“We are devastated that two cherished friends and partners from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed as they left an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event at the Capital Jewish Museum earlier this evening,” Deutch said. “This is a shocking act of violence and our community is holding each other tighter tonight.
“At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel. May their memories be for a blessing.
“While we wait for the conclusion of the police investigation – and urge all our friends and allies to do the same – it strongly appears that this was an attack motivated by hate against the Jewish people and the Jewish state. This senseless hate and violence must stop.”
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