Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed by a pro-Palestinian suspect after leaving an event on Wednesday at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Israel Foreign Ministry identified the two victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim and shared a picture of the two Israeli Embassy staff members who were reportedly preparing to be engaged.
“We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated. “Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts — defending the country with their very lives. We will not be deterred by terror. We will continue our mission across the globe, with unwavering commitment to represent Israel with pride.”
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith told reporters that law enforcement officials responded to Wednesday’s shooting at roughly 9:08 p.m. and discovered the two Israeli diplomats, who were declared dead after first responders engaged in life-saving efforts.
According to Fox News, Smith confirmed that officials arrested 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, who is believed to have shot and killed the two Israeli diplomats after approaching the two victims, who were in a group with two other individuals.
Tal Naim Cohen, an Israeli Embassy spokesperson, told Fox News that Lischinsky and Milgrim were shot “at close range” while leaving an event at the museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
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Smith told reporters that the suspect entered the Capital Jewish Museum following the shooting and was arrested by security officials.
A video shared on social media shows Rodriguez shouting “Free, free Palestine!” after his arrest.
According to Fox News, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office Steven Jensen confirmed that the FBI is investigating Wednesday’s “heinous crime” as a potential hate crime or as a crime with potential ties to terrorism.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump wrote, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
Vice President J.D. Vance also expressed his sympathy for the families of the two Israeli staff members.
“My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States,” Vance tweeted. “We’re praying for their families and all of our friends at the Israeli Embassy, where the two victims worked.”
