Two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, were found by officers who responded to multiple 911 calls at approximately 9:08 p.m. Despite efforts to revive them, both were declared dead at the scene.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was arrested after the shooting. Authorities reported that Rodriguez acted alone and his firearm was recovered at the scene. Witnesses saw him pacing before firing on a group of people leaving the museum, which included the two victims. After the attack, he entered the museum and was detained by security. While in custody, Rodriguez reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!”
The victims were attending an event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) for young Jewish professionals in foreign policy. The event included a discussion on humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy, confirmed the two victims were shot at close range.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, shared that the victims were in a romantic relationship, and the man had recently purchased a ring to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack, emphasizing the city’s commitment to fighting violence and hate. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the Department of Homeland Security is investigating the case.
The FBI’s Washington Field Office is also looking into potential links to terrorism or a hate crime. FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen condemned the attack as a “heinous crime.” Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, called the shooting an act of anti-Semitic terrorism, warning that harming diplomats or the Jewish community was a red line.
Authorities are continuing to investigate, and Homeland Security has pledged to bring the perpetrator to justice.
