2 Israeli Embassy Workers Killed Outside DC Jewish Museum in Apparent Antisemitic Attack
The assailant allegedly yelled “Free Palestine” after shooting the two Israeli Embassy workers, who were a soon-to-be engaged couple attending a Jewish cultural event in DC
Two Israeli Embassy employees were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, in what authorities are investigating as an antisemitic terrorist attack. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were a young couple preparing to get engaged. They had just left an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) when the gunman opened fire.
The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, reportedly approached a group of four people near the museum and began shooting at close range. He then entered the museum, where he was detained by security personnel. Witnesses said Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” as police arrested him. According to DC Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez was unknown to law enforcement prior to the attack, and no specific threats had been received in advance.
The event the couple attended—AJC’s Young Diplomats Reception—was focused on humanitarian efforts in the Middle East and included speakers from IsraAID and the Multifaith Alliance. The theme this year was “Turning pain into purpose.” The gathering brought together Jewish young professionals and members of the diplomatic community to discuss ways to provide aid to civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza.
President Donald Trump condemned the shooting on social media: “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the murders as “a horrifying antisemitic attack,” warning that “blood libels against Israel are costing us blood and must be fought relentlessly.” He announced increased security at Israeli embassies worldwide.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the shooting “a despicable act of hatred,” adding, “We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US. America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who confirmed the identities of the victims at a press briefing in Jerusalem, blamed the shooting on “toxic antisemitic incitement” and “modern blood libels.” He noted that Lischinsky had bought an engagement ring days earlier and planned to propose next week in Jerusalem. Sa’ar said he had personally spoken with Lischinsky’s father, describing the victim as “a warrior on the diplomatic front who fell just like a soldier on the battlefield.” He ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Israel in honor of the slain diplomats.
Sa’ar also criticized world leaders who, in his words, have surrendered to “Palestinian terrorist propaganda.” “Stop your incitement against Israel. Stop your false accusations,” he said. The foreign minister announced plans for an international conference on antisemitism in Jerusalem next week, with officials from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance expected to attend.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi and US Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro visited the scene shortly after the shooting. Bondi pledged to prosecute the attacker “to the fullest extent of the law.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident was “a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence,” and vowed that “those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the attack, stating that the Australian government was “shocked and appalled” and that “there is no place for antisemitism in the world.”
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “an antisemitic crime” and added, “Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears.” UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned what he called an “appalling, antisemitic crime,” saying, “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and colleagues at this awful time.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she was “shocked” by the attack and emphasized, “There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism.”
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to Herzog, calling the killings an “antisemitic attack” and voicing support for the victims’ families. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called the shooting “an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned what he called a “heinous act,” adding, “At this stage we must assume an anti-Semitic motive.” Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul confirmed that one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, also held German citizenship.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described the shooting as “scenes of terror and violence” and urged, “Antisemitism must be stopped. The horrors of the past must not return.”
The UAE’s Foreign Ministry published a statement condemning the shooting and denouncing “these criminal acts.” The ministry expressed “solidarity with the families of the victims and with the Israeli people over this heinous attack.”
The Capital Jewish Museum had recently received a city-funded security grant, citing its Jewish identity and a new LGBTQ exhibit as reasons for heightened concern. Museum director Beatrice Gurwitz told local media that they were aware of potential threats and committed to maintaining a welcoming yet secure space.
The shooting has prompted widespread shock across Jewish organizations in the US. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered,” Herzog said. “Terror and hate will not break us.” The AJC, which hosted the event, called the attack “an unspeakable act of violence,” while the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and the Jewish Federations of North America expressed their grief and reaffirmed their commitment to community security.
The attack occurred as tensions related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war remain high. Since the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on October 7, 2023—which killed roughly 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken—Israel has launched a military campaign in Gaza. Palestinian authorities say over 53,000 people have been killed in the fighting, though those numbers have not been independently verified and do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
Law enforcement and FBI investigators continue to examine Rodriguez’s motives, including potential ideological or religious influences. Officials say the shooting appears to be a targeted act of antisemitic violence but have not ruled out broader terrorist ties.
This is a developing story.
