Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, employees of the Israeli embassy, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC by Elias Rodriguez, who reportedly shouted "free, free Palestine" during the attack. The incident has prompted investigations into potential terrorism motives and sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders.
Tragic Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington DC
Tragic Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington DC
Two embassy employees were shot outside a Jewish museum by a man invoking pro-Palestinian slogans, raising concerns over antisemitism and violence.
A couple affiliated with the Israeli Embassy has been tragically killed in a shooting outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington DC. The victims, named Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were leaving an event when they were attacked by a gunman who is currently in custody. Eyewitness reports indicated that the shooter, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, shouted "free, free Palestine" during and after the assault.
The Metropolitan Police Department received multiple emergency calls at 9:08 PM local time on Wednesday, reporting shots fired outside the museum, a well-known site frequented by tourists and government officials. Upon arrival, officers found Lischinsky and Milgrim unconscious, and both were pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Chief of Police Pamela Smith confirmed that Rodríguez was observed prior to the shooting, appearing agitated before opening fire on a group of individuals before entering the museum where he was detained.
The FBI is taking part in the investigation, focusing on potential motivations related to terrorism or hate crimes. The couple was identified by the Israeli embassy, which expressed deep sorrow at their deaths, stating the victims were on the verge of engagement, with Lischinsky intending to propose to Milgrim soon. Rabbi Levi Shemtov characterized them as well-liked individuals within the local Jewish community.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene, revealing that the shooter, initially perceived as a distressed individual seeking help, was instead the perpetrator. He reportedly claimed responsibility with radical slogans, further fueling concerns about rising antisemitism and violence in the wake of recent events.
The incident took place during an event organized by the American Jewish Committee aimed at gathering Jewish professionals to discuss humanitarian responses to crises in the Middle East, reflecting the ongoing turmoil in the region following the violence between Israel and Hamas that escalated in October 2023.
Public figures, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the violence as antisemitic, with Trump calling for an end to hatred and radicalism in the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage at the shooting, which he termed an "abhorrent antisemitic murder," pledging to enhance security measures for Israeli missions globally.
