Two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night in what authorities are calling a targeted act of terrorism.
Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, had just left an American Jewish Committee reception aimed at promoting peace in the Middle East and North Africa when a gunman opened fire at close range.
“I want to start by sending our condolences to the loved ones of the victims who were senselessly a victim of these crimes,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in a press conference Wednesday night. “I want to provide my prayers and condolences to the museum staff and the guests, who are also gathering together in fellowship.”
The shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was quickly apprehended, but not without sharing a message.
“After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security. Once in handcuffs, the suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered, and he implied that he committed the offense,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith said. “The suspect chanted, ‘free, free Palestine while in custody.’”
The mayor also worked to assure Washingtonians and people nationwide that the District does not support hate of any kind.
“I will say, up front, that there is no active threat in our community. What I do know is that the horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city and in our country, and I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city,” she said. “We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send the clear message that we will not tolerate anti Semitism.”
Early Thursday morning, FBI agents in tactical gear entered Rodriguez’s Chicago residence. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the incident a terror attack, stating,
“Targeted anti-Semitic violence is an attack on our core values and will be met with the full weight of federal law enforcement.”
AJC CEO Ted Deutch said, “Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us. Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing, and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends.”
The shooting took place in one of Washington’s most secure areas, steps from embassies and federal buildings, and comes amid heightened tensions following Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, noting the couple was soon to be engaged.
“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he said.
