A tragic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night has left two Israeli embassy staff members dead in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime or act of terrorism.
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were gunned down as they left a diplomatic event at the museum in downtown Washington DC. According to police, the attacker, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, opened fire at approximately 9:08 p.m. local time after pacing outside the venue. Authorities say Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” both during and after the attack.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect used a handgun to target a group of four individuals, fatally wounding the couple before entering the museum, where he was apprehended. Witnesses initially mistook him for a distressed guest seeking help, until he confessed to the shooting and continued shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.
The event at the Capital Jewish Museum was organized by the American Jewish Committee and intended to unite young Jewish professionals and diplomats under the theme “Turning Pain into Purpose.” Humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza and the broader Middle East were part of the discussion agenda.
Tributes to the victims have poured in. The Israeli embassy mourned their deaths, describing the couple as deeply committed and cherished members of the diplomatic community. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter revealed that Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring earlier in the week, planning to propose in Jerusalem. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, who knew the couple personally, called the news “brutal,” describing them as kind and well-liked.
International reactions were swift. President Donald Trump condemned the killings as an antisemitic attack and called for an end to hatred and extremism. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment, blaming growing antisemitic rhetoric since the October 7 Hamas attack for fueling such violence. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar warned that global incitement was endangering Jews worldwide.
The FBI is supporting the Metropolitan Police in the investigation, exploring possible links to terrorism and hate crimes. Meanwhile, Israeli missions globally have been placed on heightened security alert.
The shooting has reignited concerns over rising antisemitism and the impact of geopolitical tensions spilling over into diaspora communities around the world.
Written By Rodney Mbua
