Two Israeli embassy workers were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night in an episode authorities called an act of antisemitic terrorism.

A suspect identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago was taken into custody and police said he was chanting "Free Palestine."

After he shot the victims, he walked into the museum and asked for police to be called so he could be arrested, authorities said.

"The suspect chanted free, free Palestine while in custody,” DC Police Chief Pamela Smith said. “The suspect is 30-year-year Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.”

Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said Thursday that the shooting was an "act of terror."

"Last night’s act of terror has the full attention of your FBI," Bongino posted on X. "Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards. And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads. I should have additional updates for you shortly as I head back to FBI HQ."

Israeli officials identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, and said the couple were dating and planning to get married. Both were shot at close range as they departed an event at the museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee.

"The couple gunned down in the name of ‘Free Palestine’ was a young couple that was about to be engaged,” Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told a press conference. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”

The Metropolitan Police Department said an investigation into the shooting is underway.

President Donald Trump took to social media early Thursday morning to decry the killings.

"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA," Trump write on Truth Social. "Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”

"The fatal shooting that took place outside the event that took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism," Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, said in a post on X. "Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. 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."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the two fatalities worked at the Israeli embassy in a post on X, and promised to hold the shooter accountable. 

"Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC," Noem wrote. "We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice."

Attorney General Pam Bondi and interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro went to the scene, and FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency is helping D.C. Metropolitan Police with its investigation.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.