Chicago, Thursday May 22, 2025
Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in D.C. Shooting Outside Jewish Museum
Two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, according to local authorities. The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. ET, as a pro-Israel advocacy event hosted by the American Jewish Committee was ending. A man was seen pacing outside the venue before he approached a group of four people and opened fire, killing a man and a woman, identified as a couple, according to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith. The shooter, later identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was apprehended inside the museum by security personnel. While in custody, he reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine.” Police said Rodriguez had no prior criminal history and it remains unknown whether he has legal representation.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. He expressed condolences to the victims’ families, calling the act a “heinous antisemitic murder.”
Condemnation and Ongoing Investigation
The victims, described as a couple preparing to get engaged, were in Washington to attend a cultural event, according to Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter. The young man had reportedly bought an engagement ring just days before, intending to propose in Jerusalem.
Ambassador Leiter shared that former President Donald Trump had personally called him, pledging that the U.S. government would do everything possible to combat antisemitism. On his platform Truth Social, Trump condemned the violence, stating that “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
The attack took place near the Capital Jewish Museum, less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol, during a reception for Jewish professionals in foreign policy. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the organization’s support for the victims’ families.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also called for prayers for the victims and pledged that justice would be served. Meanwhile, FBI officials are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime or terrorism-related attack, calling it a “heinous crime.”
