Several Washington state lawmakers have expressed their condolences and condemned a shooting that occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening.
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot shortly after they had attended a Young Diplomats Reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee according to MSNBC News.
In response to the tragedy, several Pacific Northwest lawmakers have expressed their thoughts on social media:
“Horrified at the murder of two young Israeli embassy aides last night at the Capital Jewish Museum,” Senator Patty Murray stated. “We must all condemn this kind of violence & antisemitism in the strongest possible terms.”
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the heinous murder of two Israeli embassy workers in D.C. My heart goes out to their families, loved ones and the entire Israeli community during this incredibly difficult time,” Senator Mike Crapo wrote. “I strongly condemn this senseless act of antisemitic violence.”
“My condolences are with the loved ones of the two Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed tonight in Washington, D.C.,” representative Dan Newhouse stated. “Political violence has no place in our society, and I hope justice is swiftly served.”
The Associated Press reports the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago, was arrested at the scene and yelled “Free, free Palestine,” during his arrest, according to police.
The Embassy of Israel to the USA mourned the loss of the two victims and wrote on social media that “they were in the prime of their lives.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as a potential hate crime, MSNBC reported. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled it an “act of terror,” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “heinous anti-Semitic murder.”
