Two Israeli embassy officials have been shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington D.C., the United States.
United States and Israeli leaders expressed shock and outrage over the killings which occurred on Wednesday night.
United States President Donald Trump quickly condemned the attack in a post on his social media accounts, saying: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”
“Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Gunfire broke out on the sidewalk outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the centre of Washington as the venue held a social event for young professionals and diplomatic staff members.
The victims were a young couple who planned to get married, the Israeli ambassador said.
A video clip circulating on social media showed a young bearded man in a jacket and white shirt shouting “free, free Palestine” as he was led away by police.
Police confirmed the suspected shooter walked into the museum after the shooting and had been detained.
“We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody,” Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters.
Smith added: “Prior to the shooting the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire.
“After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security.”
She said the handcuffed suspect identified where he had discarded the weapon and chanted “Free, free Palestine.”
Police identified him as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, AFP reported.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in a statement: “I am devastated by the scenes in Washington.
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of anti-Semitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.
“America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”
