2 Israeli Embassy staffers about to be engaged gunned down by suspect who yelled ‘Free, free Palestine’ near DC’s Capital Jewish Museum

Two Israeli Embassy staffers who were about to get engaged were gunned down outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Wednesday night — by a suspect who shouted, “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody, officials said.

The deadly gunfire erupted outside the museum — about five miles from the embassy — as the couple was leaving the event shortly after 9 p.m., authorities said during a press conference.

After the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Chicago resident Elias Rodriguez, squeezed the trigger, he entered the museum, where he was apprehended, police said.

Two Israeli Embassy staffers who were about to be engaged were gunned down outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, Wednesday night.AFP via Getty Images

The suspect, who was apprehended by event security, was seen pacing back and forth outside the museum leading up to the shooting, she said.

He allegedly flashed a handgun in front of a group of four people before opening fire, she added.

An Israeli Embassy spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News that the two staffers were shot at “close range.”

The slain boyfriend planned to propose to his girlfriend next week, Israel’s Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said.

The young man had bought a ring this week and planned on popping the question in Jerusalem, he said.

The embassy identified the couple as staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

“I will say this, we are a resilient people,” Leiter said.

“People of Israel are resilient people. The United States of America are a resilient people.

“We will confront this moral depravity without fear and with determination, and now we’ll turn to taking care of the families of these two victims,” he added.

The hate-filled shooting led to a chorus of outrage and condolences Wednesday.

“I want to start by sending our condolences to the loved ones of the victims who were senselessly a victim of these crimes. I want to provide my prayers and condolences to the museum staff and the guests who are also gathering together in fellowship,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said at the press briefing.

Follow The Post’s coverage on Israeli Embassy staffers killed in DC

• What we know about Elias Rodriguez, terror suspect accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staffers in DC
• Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim ID’d as couple fatally shot by terrorist who yelled ‘Free, free Palestine’ near DC’s Capital Jewish Museum
• Suspected terrorist in Israeli Embassy killings shouts ‘Free, free Palestine’ — as witnesses describe helping him before realizing he was the killer
• Cops probing anti-Israel manifesto allegedly written by terror suspect Elias Rodriguez ahead of DC Jewish Museum shooting: sources
• Gunned-down Israeli Embassy staffer Sarah Milgrim worked on peace-building between Palestinians and Israelis, her grieving father says: ‘That’s the irony’

“We will not tolerate the acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism,” she added.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon called the shooting “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

“Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” he said on X.

“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “devastated” by the violence.

“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli Embassy,” he said.

The museum is located at 575 3rd St. NW, near the FBI field office and the US Attorney’s Office. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating.

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said his organization hosted an event at the museum.

“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he said.

“At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”

President Trump denounced the shooting on Truth Social.

“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!” he wrote.

FBI Director Kash Patel said he is working with the Metropolitan Police Department “to respond and learn more,” he wrote in a tweet. “In the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated as we are able.”

US Attorney General Pam Bondi and US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were at the crime scene late Wednesday.

“Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi tweeted.

Bondi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the shooting.

“We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said. “Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.

“My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer.”

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed to bring the “depraved” shooter to justice.

“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,” she posted online.

“We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims.”

The shooting comes amid a surge in antisemitism in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The FBI vowed to provide any support local police would need in investigating the “heinous” shooting.

“The FBI stands with the Metropolitan Police Department to help not only investigate the homicide and provide support, but also to look into ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on a bias-based crime or a hate crime,” said Steve Jensen, FBI assistant director in charge of Washington field office.