According to the authorities, the perpetrator shouted "Friends for Palestine" when carrying out the act of shooting, causing public outrage in the US and Israel.
France24 reported that the incident occurred at around 9:00 p.m. on May 21 (US time), which is around 8:00 a.m. on May 22 Hanoi time, right outside the Capital's Do Thai Museum, when an exchange event for young people and diplomatic staff was taking place there. The two victims are a young couple working at the Israeli Embassy, according to the Israeli Ambassador to the US, they plan to get married next week in Jerusalem.
Washington police chief Pamela Smith said the suspect was arrested after entering the museum. Before the shooting, the suspect was seen walking around the museum many times. He then approached a group of four, pulled out guns and fired, said Ms. Smith.
The suspect was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30 years old, from Chicago (USA). This person stated to the police the location of the gun hidden after being held in hand.
A video circulating on social media recorded the suspect being taken away while shouting Friety, freedom for Palestine.
After the attack, the authorities blocked off the scene, while medical units confirmed that both victims had died despite emergency care.
President Donald Trump condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act originating from Buddhism and asserting that hatred and extremistness have no place in the United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the perpetrator "the average Judge of the dike", and stressed the price to pay for hatred and slander directed at Israel. He has vowed to strengthen security at Israeli diplomatic missions around the world.
The event, which the two victims attended, was an annual reception held by the American Committee for a Joint Stock Committee (AJC) to connect young experts of Israeli descent and the diplomatic community in Washington.
CEO of AJC, Mr. Ted Deutch, said: We are deeply saddened by the loss of two close friends. This is clearly an attack stemming from hatred towards the judges and the State of Israel.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser affirmed that the city community will stand side by side to send a strong message: "We will not tolerate violence or hate."
