Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday in what officials are calling a suspected antisemitic attack.
The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, young professionals from the Israeli embassy. According to Israel’s ambassador, the couple were soon to be engaged.
Gunman Shouts “Free Palestine” Before Arrest
Moments after the attack, a video shared on social media showed a young man in a white shirt shouting “Free, free Palestine” as police led him away. Authorities later identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago.
Police say Rodriguez paced outside the museum before approaching a group and opening fire. After the shooting, he entered the museum and was detained by security. He later told police where he had discarded the weapon.
Officials Condemn “Hate-Fueled” Violence
World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, denounced the attack.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW,” Trump said on social media.
Netanyahu described the act as the “terrible price of antisemitism”, and ordered heightened security at Israeli missions worldwide.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC), which hosted the evening’s event, mourned the loss, calling the attack a “hate-driven act against the Jewish people and the Jewish state.”
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The museum is located near the U.S. Capitol, about a mile from the White House. First responders arrived around 9 p.m. and found the victims unconscious. Despite medical efforts, both were pronounced dead on the scene.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser urged unity, saying,
“We will not tolerate antisemitism or hate violence in our city.”
Security has been increased around Jewish institutions as investigations continue.
