Israeli Embassy Employees Shot and Killed Outside Jewish Museum in D.C.
Police have charged a man with murder after he shot and killed two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.
The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, was arrested at the scene after he shot the victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, an American, several times, even after they fell.
According to authorities, the victims were attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said the victims were a couple who were about to get engaged.
According to police, Rodriguez said: “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” and shouted: “Free Palestine” as officers took him into custody. He did not enter a plea during a brief court appearance. Prosecutors said additional charges are likely as the killings are being investigated as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and an act of terrorism.
“I am devastated by the scenes in Washington D.C.,” Israel’s President Isaac Herzog posted on X. “This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the attack, saying: “We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.”
According to the statement, Netanyahu has ordered increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide and directed Israeli representatives to take additional protective measures.
“Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts—defending the country with their very lives,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry posted on X. “We will not be deterred by terror. We will continue our mission across the globe, with unwavering commitment to represent Israel with pride.”
During a press briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump spoke with Netanyahu and discussed the shooting, among other topics. She said the President was “saddened and outraged” over the killings.
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said she visited the scene of the shooting. “Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi posted on X. During the briefing, she added that she had spoken with Trump multiple times and that “his prayers are with all of us.”
Bondi also stated that local, state, and federal agencies “will be doing everything in our power to keep all citizens safe, especially tonight, our Jewish community.”
“We will follow the facts, we will follow the law, and this defendant charged will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Bondi added.
