Young couple killed outside Jewish museum remembered

In the wake of a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members.

(NBC)- In the wake of a deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members, grief is replacing shock as family and friends remember the young couple whose lives were cut short. The victims have been identified as 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Milgrim. The two were reportedly on the verge of getting engaged when they were fatally shot just steps from the museum entrance.

“She was as close to perfect as any human could be,” said Sarah’s father, Robert Milgrim, who spoke of his daughter’s deep love of learning and her commitment to peace. He shared that she had recently taken a summer job with an organization aimed at fostering dialogue between young Israelis and Palestinians.

That hopeful future ended violently, investigators say, at the hands of 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez.

“This was both an act of terror and directed violence against the Jewish community,” said Steve Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “It has the full and unwavering attention of the FBI.”

Authorities say Rodriguez walked into the museum moments after the shooting, initially mistaken for a bystander until he approached officers.

“He walked right up to them,” said witness Yoni Kalin. “He turned himself in and said, ‘I did this. I did this for Gaza.’ Then he started chanting, ‘Free Palestine.’”

Rodriguez now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and murder of foreign officials. FBI agents have searched his apartment in Chicago and are reviewing potential online writings as they work to uncover a motive.

The attack has drawn condemnation from top officials, including President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and lawmakers on Capitol Hill. As investigators search for answers, those closest to Sarah and Yaron are left mourning what could have been.

“We have great memories,” said Robert Milgrim. “But the future is gone.”