Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, staff members of the Israeli Embassy, were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC by Elias Rodriguez, who allegedly chanted "free, free Palestine" during the attack. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised alarms regarding antisemitism and security threats.
Shooting Outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC Claims Lives of Israeli Embassy Staff
Shooting Outside Jewish Museum in Washington DC Claims Lives of Israeli Embassy Staff
A tragic incident unfolds as two Israeli Embassy employees are fatally shot outside a Jewish museum, prompting outrage and concern over rising antisemitism.
Outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., a horrific shooting has left two staff members of the Israeli Embassy dead. Victims Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 28, were shot near the museum where they were attending an event aimed at connecting Jewish young professionals with the diplomatic community. Eyewitness reports indicate that the alleged gunman, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the venue before opening fire, reportedly shouting "free, free Palestine" during the attack.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) received multiple emergency calls about the shooting at approximately 21:08 local time on Wednesday. Officers arrived to find both victims unconscious and not breathing; they were later pronounced dead at the scene. Rodriguez, who is now in custody, reportedly continued to express political statements related to the shooting while being taken into custody.
In response to the incident, the FBI has initiated an investigation into possible ties to terrorism or bias-motivated violence. The Israeli Embassy expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss, with ambassador Yechiel Leiter revealing that Lischinsky was ready to propose to Milgrim, having purchased an engagement ring just days prior. “No words can express the depth of our grief and horror,” the embassy stated.
Witnesses to the aftermath described how they initially mistook Rodriguez for a victim in distress, not realizing he was the shooter. One attendee recounted how people were trying to comfort him amidst the chaos.
The event attended by the couple was organized by the American Jewish Committee, geared towards professionals involved in humanitarian efforts in the Middle East. It aimed to foster community and support amidst ongoing crises, including those in Gaza. President Donald Trump condemned the attack as antisemitic, calling for an end to hatred and radicalism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage over what he termed an “abhorrent antisemitic murder,” and called for increased security at Israeli missions worldwide. He attributed the violence to a surge of toxic antisemitism following the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen a significant death toll since the commencement of hostilities after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023.
