A single suspect, recognized as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, is in custody, Washington police chief Pamela Smith stated. Rodriguez was seen pacing outdoors the museum earlier than the taking pictures. He was later detained by occasion safety.
The suspect chanted “Free, free Palestine” whereas in custody, the police chief added.
Following the incident, Washington mayor Muriel Bowser stated that there was no lively menace within the metropolis.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, referred to as the taking pictures “a wicked act of anti-Semitic terrorism”.
“Harming diplomats and the Jewish neighborhood is crossing a crimson line,” Danon stated in a submit on X.
“We’re assured that the US authorities will take robust motion towards these liable for this prison act.”
US President Donald Trump referred to as the taking pictures “horrible”, including that it was “primarily based clearly on antisemitism”.
“Hatred and Radicalism don’t have any place within the USA,” the president stated in a submit on social media platform Reality Social.
“Condolences to the households of the victims. So stated that things like this may occur!”
The victims have been a younger couple who have been engaged to be married, stated Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the US.
He added that he spoke to Trump after the taking pictures.
A heavy police presence was seen on the scene as authorities cordoned off streets and redirected visitors.
Lawyer Common Pam Bondi and US Lawyer for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro have been on the scene of the taking pictures.
