Two young Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are calling a potential hate-motivated attack.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, had just exited an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee when Rodriguez approached and opened fire. Both were pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts from first responders.
The suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the venue prior to the attack, allegedly flashed a handgun before targeting a group of four people, including the two Israeli diplomats. After the shooting, he entered the museum and was detained by event security. Police later recovered the firearm used in the attack.
The victims, both in their twenties, were described as being “in the prime of their lives.” Lischinsky had reportedly purchased an engagement ring earlier in the week and planned to propose to Milgrim next week in Jerusalem, according to Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter.
“This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event,” the Israeli embassy posted on X. “No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss.”
Israeli and American leaders swiftly condemned the killing. Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon called it “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” while Israeli President Isaac Herzog labeled it “a despicable act of hatred.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack was fueled by “blood libels” and vowed to fight antisemitism “to the utmost.”
President Donald Trump posted a message on Truth Social condemning the killings, writing: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims.”
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser called the act “horrific” and vowed the city “will not tolerate any acts of terrorism or antisemitism.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also weighed in, promising justice and an ongoing federal investigation.
The event the victims attended reportedly brought together young Jewish professionals working in foreign policy. It featured a panel discussion focused on humanitarian solutions for Gaza.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case, with Assistant Director Steven Jensen confirming that federal agents are probing potential hate crime motivation or ties to terrorism.
This attack comes amid a rising tide of antisemitic incidents in the United States following Hamas’s October 2023 assault on Israel, which has sparked months of global unrest and violence targeting Jewish communities and Israeli officials.