Israeli Embassy Staff Shot Dead Outside DC Museum
Two Israeli embassy staff were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC on Wednesday night. The victims have been identified by the Israeli foreign ministry as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. The shooting happened around 9 p.m. as the two exited a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Police say 30-year-old suspect Elias Rodriguez opened fire after pacing back and forth outside the venue. He was detained inside the museum shortly after the shooting. Law enforcement officials said the attack appeared to be targeted and premeditated.
Authorities say Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. Though no official motive has been confirmed, officials and leaders have widely condemned the attack as antisemitic. “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” wrote President Trump. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter called it a “depraved act” and said the victims were “a beautiful couple.” Mayor Muriel Bowser urged unity, saying, “We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city.”
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about growing antisemitism in the US, especially amid rising tensions linked to the war in Gaza. The FBI is involved in the investigation, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered all Israeli diplomatic missions to increase security.
