Two Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in Anti-Semitic Shooting in Washington, D.C.

Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot and killed at close range on Wednesday night near the Jewish Museum, shortly after attending an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a young couple, were reportedly planning to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, confirmed that the male victim had recently purchased a ring and was planning to propose next week in Jerusalem. Two additional individuals were wounded in the incident.

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Photo: Embassy of Israel to the United States X (Twitter) account

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene by the Jewish Museum's security personnel and is now in custody. Eyewitnesses reported that he wore a keffiyeh and shouted "Free Palestine" during his arrest.

U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack in a post on Truth Social: “These murders, which were clearly anti-Semitic in nature, must stop now! There is no place for hatred and extremism in the USA. My condolences to the victims' families. It's heartbreaking that such things can still happen.”

Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, called the shooting a “horrific act of terror,” while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed accountability, stating on X (formerly Twitter): "We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice."

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also condemned the attack, calling it “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” He added that "Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible.”

Authorities have not yet announced formal charges. Investigations into the suspect’s background and potential affiliations are ongoing.