Perpetrators Of Shooting 2 Israeli Embassy Staff In Washington Shout 'Free Palestine'

JAKARTA - The suspect in the shooting of 2 Israeli embassy staff outside the Jewish Museum in Washington DC, USA, shouted "Free Palestine" after detention.

This was conveyed by DC Police Chief Pamela Smith in a press conference regarding the shooting of 2 Israeli Embassy staff to death.

The victim, a man and a woman were shot dead while leaving the event at the Jewish Museum on Wednesday, May 21 evening local time.

The person identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, is being held at the scene and is being investigated.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said initial indicators indicated the shooting was a "targeted attack."

"The US Prosecutor's Office is at the scene with me, and our WFO management team at the Washington Field Office to review evidence to determine additional measures," Bongino said.

After the shooting, officials said Rodriguez attempted to enter the building where the event took place and was stopped by event security officers.

After being arrested, he started shouting, Free, free Palestine, Smith said.

Meanwhile, Israel's Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two victims were lovers.

"The couple who were shot dead tonight will get engaged," he said.

The young man bought the ring this week with the intention of proposing to him next week in Jerusalem, continued Leiter.

The Israeli ambassador claimed to have received a call from President Donald Trump late Wednesday, promising US support in fighting anti-Semitism.