Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed outside a Jewish museum event in Washington DC on Wednesday. According to Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, the victims were a young couple on the verge of engagement. Leiter informed that the man had just bought a ring and planned to propose in Jerusalem next week.

“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,” Leiter said.

Shortly after 9 pm ET on Wednesday, a man was seen pacing outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, DC, where the American Jewish Committee had just hosted a reception for young Jewish professionals in foreign policy.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the man approached a group of four people and opened fire, killing a man and woman who were a couple.

The suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security. While in custody, he chanted “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said.

The shooter was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, with no prior police record.

The attack, which occurred less than a mile from the US Capitol and was widely condemned by both American and Israeli officials.