Washington, D.C.: 22nd May 2025
In a heartbreaking incident, a young couple was killed in a shooting in Washington, D.C., just days before the man planned to propose to his girlfriend. The man had even bought an engagement ring and was planning to ask the love of his life to marry him during their upcoming trip to Jerusalem.
This tragic story has shocked the local community and raised concerns about the rising gun violence in American cities. Friends and family of the victims are mourning the loss of two bright souls who had dreams of a beautiful life together.
Who Were the Victims?
The victims have been identified as David Greenberg, 25, and Rachel Silverman, 24. Both were residents of Washington, D.C., and worked in the non-profit sector. David was known for his passion for community service and was working on youth education programs. Rachel worked as a public health advocate and had recently returned from a volunteer trip in Africa.
The couple had been together for three years and were planning a trip to Jerusalem, where David intended to propose to Rachel at the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism.
“He already had the ring,” said David’s sister, Sarah Greenberg. “He showed it to us just a few days ago. He was so excited to take this step. Rachel was the love of his life.”
What Happened in the Shooting?
The shooting occurred late Saturday night in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The couple was walking home after dinner when a car pulled up beside them and gunshots were fired. According to police reports, multiple shots were fired, and both David and Rachel were hit several times.
Emergency services arrived within minutes and rushed the couple to the hospital, but sadly, both were declared dead on arrival.
Police believe that the shooting was a random act of violence, possibly linked to an ongoing dispute between local gangs. So far, no arrests have been made, but authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby buildings and asking the public for any tips that might help in identifying the shooter.
Rising Gun Violence in DC
The deaths of David and Rachel are part of a disturbing trend in Washington, D.C., where gun violence has been on the rise in recent years. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, there have been over 150 homicides in D.C. so far this year, many of them involving young people and innocent victims.
In 2024, the city recorded its highest homicide rate in two decades, and despite several policy changes and increased police presence, the numbers continue to climb.
Mayor Muriel Bowser released a statement saying,
“This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that we must do more to tackle gun violence in our communities. David and Rachel were innocent lives lost too soon.”
An Engagement That Will Never Happen
According to family members, David had carefully planned his proposal. The couple was supposed to fly to Israel next week to visit family and explore the holy sites. David had already spoken to Rachel’s parents and received their blessings. He even booked a photographer in Jerusalem to capture the moment he would propose at the Western Wall, also known as the Kotel.
“He told me he was going to get down on one knee and ask her to be his wife,” said his best friend, Jonah Marks. “He wanted it to be special. This was a love story, and now it’s a tragedy.”
The ring, a beautiful diamond solitaire, was found in David’s apartment. It has now been given to Rachel’s parents as a symbol of the love their daughter shared with David.
Community in Mourning
The local community gathered for a vigil on Sunday evening at the couple’s favorite park. Friends, family, neighbors, and even strangers came with candles and flowers to pay their respects.
People shared emotional stories about David and Rachel, remembering their kindness, laughter, and deep love for each other.
“They were the kind of couple that made you believe in love,” said Rachel’s coworker, Maya Patel. “They talked about building a family, traveling the world, and growing old together. It’s hard to believe they’re gone.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral costs and support anti-gun violence initiatives in their names. Within 24 hours, the fundraiser had collected over $100,000.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. They have announced a $50,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.
Detective Jason Coleman, who is leading the investigation, said,
“We believe someone in the community knows something. Please come forward. Help us bring justice to David and Rachel.”
He added that they are reviewing data from traffic cameras, cell phone towers, and social media to trace any suspects who may have been in the area at the time.
Political Leaders React
The shocking murder of a couple full of life and dreams has triggered strong reactions from both local and national leaders. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton demanded tougher laws on illegal firearms and better funding for mental health and community safety programs.
She tweeted,
“David and Rachel had a future. Their deaths are unacceptable. We need real change.”
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, who has often spoken about his own losses, offered condolences to the families and said in a statement that gun reform must be a national priority.
International Attention
The story has also drawn attention in Israel, where several news channels have reported the tragedy. Israeli leaders expressed sorrow and offered support to the families, especially after learning that the couple was planning to visit Jerusalem for a special moment in their lives.
One Israeli news anchor stated,
“This is not just an American story. It’s a human story—about love, dreams, and a senseless loss.”
A Call for Change
David and Rachel’s story is a painful reminder of how gun violence can touch anyone, anytime, anywhere. As their families prepare for their funerals, communities across the U.S. are once again asking: When will it stop?
Advocates for gun control are urging lawmakers to take immediate steps to curb gun access, improve community policing, and fund early intervention programs.
Rachel’s mother, Ruth Silverman, made a powerful statement during the vigil:+“No parent should bury their child. No young man should die before asking the woman he loves to marry him. Let this be the last story like this.”
