Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were tragically shot and killed outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening. The incident occurred around 9:08 p.m. EST as the couple were leaving a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene. A video clip surfaced on social media after the incident showing apprehended suspect Rodriguez chanting “Free, free Palestine!” during his arrest. He was previously associated with the far-left Party for Socialism and Liberation and had participated in protests in Chicago. It is reported that he admitted to the crime on arrival of the police, and has been taken into custody for questioning.
Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Milgrim, an American, were in a relationship and reportedly planning to become engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem. Israeli and U.S. officials have condemned the attack as an act of antisemitic terrorism. U.S. officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel, have pledged a thorough investigation. Authorities have stated that Rodriguez acted alone and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
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