US Shooting: Two Israeli Embassy Staff Killed at Jewish Museum

 

A horrific act of violence has rocked Washington, DC, claiming the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, May 21st. What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking are the details emerging about the victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram: they were a couple, reportedly on the verge of getting engaged.

According to Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, the man had just purchased a ring, intending to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. Their love story was tragically cut short in what officials are describing as a targeted, hate-motivated attack.

Authorities responded to 911 calls around 9:08 p.m., finding Lischinsky and Milgram unconscious. Despite desperate life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, is now in custody. Witnesses described him pacing outside before he allegedly opened fire on a group of four people exiting the museum, including the victims.

In a chilling detail, Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department revealed that after the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum and was detained by security. While in custody, he allegedly shouted, “Free, free Palestine!”

The victims were attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), aimed at young Jewish professionals discussing humanitarian solutions for Gaza. This context further underscores the targeted nature of the alleged hate crime.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser unequivocally condemned the attack, stating, “We will not tolerate this violence or hate. We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism. We will not tolerate antisemitism.” Both the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are actively investigating for potential ties to terrorism or as a hate crime, with FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen calling it a "heinous crime."

This senseless act of violence has deeply shaken the diplomatic community and the broader Jewish community. Our thoughts are with the families of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, whose dreams were so cruelly extinguished.