BBC Breakfast's Naga and Charlie announce heartbreaking news minutes into programme

BBC Breakfast was back on TV screens on Thursday (22 May), with Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty back at the helm. The programme opened with some heartbreaking news, as the two presenters revealed that a shooting had taken place in Washington DC, the night before.

Opening Thursday's BBC Breakfast, Charlie announced: "Good morning, it's Thursday, May 22nd. Our main news story, two members of staff from the Israeli embassy have been shot dead in Washington."

Naga provided further details of the tragedy, saying: "A man and woman were shot at close range as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, just after 9pm local time. President Trump said the attack was 'based obviously on anti-Semitism' and Israel described it as a 'depraved act of anti-Semitic terror'."

Naga and Charlie then handed over to Breakfast's North America correspondent Nomia Iqbal, who was reporting live from near the Capital Jewish Museum.

Nomia said: "As you mentioned there, this happened just after nine o'clock local time in the evening. This event was being held at the Jewish Museum, which is not far behind me. Police say this man was seen pacing outside, and when people left, he shot at close range.

"Now, in terms of the two people that were shot dead, they've not been publicly identified. Although, the US ambassador, so Israel's ambassador to the US, says that they were a couple due to be engaged."

She went on to add: "Police have also said that this man said 'free Palestine' before he started shooting. He has been identified as a 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago."

Nomia continued by explaining how she'd been talking to those at the event, including the organiser, and they were all shocked by the horrific events that had occurred.

Police have confirmed a suspect is in custody and is believed to be the only person involved. The mayor of Washington DC, Muriel Bowser, said there was no active shooter situation.

US President Donald Trump released a statement via social media platform Truth Social, which read: "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!"

Breakfast airs on weekdays at 6am on One