Tragedy struck Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, where two Israeli embassy employees were shot and killed in what officials have described as a targeted, hate-motivated attack.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, were found unconscious and not breathing by police who responded to multiple 911 calls around 9:08 p.m. Despite life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have taken 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago into custody. Police say Rodriguez allegedly acted alone and recovered his firearm at the scene. Witnesses reported seeing him pacing outside the museum before opening fire on a group of four people, including the victims, as they exited the event.
Following the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum where event security detained him. During his arrest, he reportedly shouted, “Free, free Palestine!” according to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith.
The victims were attending a panel hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) focused on humanitarian solutions for Gaza and aimed at young Jewish professionals in foreign policy.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, confirmed the two diplomats were shot at close range and expressed full confidence in local and federal authorities to bring justice and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities across the U.S.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack as “horrific,” assuring the public there was no ongoing threat and pledging zero tolerance for violence, terrorism, or antisemitism.
Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, revealed the victims were in a relationship and planning to get engaged, sharing that the man had recently bought a ring intending to propose in Jerusalem next week.
The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI’s Washington Field Office are actively investigating the shooting, examining potential terrorism or hate crime motives. FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen called it a “heinous crime.”
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon labeled the attack a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” urging strong action from U.S. authorities and reaffirming Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and representatives worldwide.
