Deadly Shooting Near Jewish Museum: Two Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in Washington D.C.

On May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. following an official event. The victims, identified by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar as Yaron Lischinsky, a research assistant, and Sarah Milgrim, an embassy programs coordinator, were reportedly leaving the museum when the attack happened.

📍 What Happened?

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, a man approached a group outside the museum and opened fire. The attacker, identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the incident. After the shooting, he entered the museum and was detained by security.

Upon arrest, Rodriguez began chanting “Free, Free Palestine,” according to police.

⚠️ Suspect in Custody

• Name: Elias Rodriguez

• Age: 30

• From: Chicago

• Status: In custody

• Motive: Suspected antisemitic hate crime

• No further threat to the public, say police officials.

💬 Official Reactions

• President Donald Trump called the attack a “horrific act of antisemitism” and demanded action:
  “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked” and called the incident a “horrific, antisemitic shooting.”

• Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, shared that the victims were a young couple about to be engaged, and the man had just purchased a ring to propose in Jerusalem next week.

🔍 FBI and DOJ Involved

The FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino described the event as an “act of targeted violence.“
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was reportedly at the scene and has assured Israel that justice will be pursued.

🕊️ Community Reaction & Mourning

• The American Jewish Committee (AJC), which hosted the event, expressed deep sorrow.
  “At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel,” said CEO Ted Deutch.

• Witnesses inside the museum recalled hearing gunshots and seeing the suspect walk in shortly after, pretending to need help. He then pulled out a red keffiyeh and shouted pro-Palestinian slogans.

🏛️ Security Concerns Rise

Following the attack, Israeli diplomatic missions across the U.S. are ramping up their security protocols. The Capital Jewish Museum, already concerned about threats due to its Jewish and LGBTQ+ exhibits, had recently received grant funding to enhance security.

The museum released a statement:
“We are deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum.”

🌍 Broader Context: Israel-Gaza Conflict

This shooting occurs amid escalating violence in the Gaza Strip, where Israel’s military campaign—in response to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks—has reportedly killed over 53,000 people, according to Gaza health officials.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, rooted in decades of territorial and political disputes, remains a global flashpoint. Incidents like this reflect the growing tensions internationally, especially concerning antisemitic violence.

🕯️ Remembering the Victims

• Yaron Lischinsky – Israeli national, research assistant

• Sarah Milgrim – American citizen, embassy coordinator
  Both were dedicated diplomats and reportedly planning to get engaged next week.

📢 Conclusion

This tragic and targeted shooting has shaken the Jewish and diplomatic communities in Washington and beyond. Authorities are urging calm while ensuring a thorough investigation. As global tensions rise, this heartbreaking loss underscores the real-world impact of hate-fueled violence.