Two Israeli Embassy staff members killed in D.C. shooting outside Jewish museum
A tragic shooting in the heart of the nation’s capital has left two Israeli Embassy staff members dead.
(NBC)- A tragic shooting in the heart of the nation’s capital has left two Israeli Embassy staff members dead, sending shockwaves through both the Jewish community and the country.
The victims, identified as Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum late Wednesday night when they were shot and killed. According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, was seen pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people, pulling a handgun, and opening fire.
“The suspect chanted ‘Free Free Palestine’ while in custody,” Smith said, noting that after the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where he was arrested and directed officers to the location of the weapon.
The attack appears to have been targeted, though investigators are still working to determine a clear motive. Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, described the victims as a young couple with a promising future. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he said. “They were a beautiful couple.” The tragedy quickly drew national and international condemnation.
President Donald Trump posted on social media, saying, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also pledged action: “We will be doing everything in our power to keep all citizens safe, especially tonight, our Jewish community.”
Ambassador Leiter vowed strength in the face of fear. “We’re going to overcome the moral depravity of people who think they’re going to achieve political gains through murder.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack “heinous” and ordered Israeli missions worldwide to ramp up security.
