Two Israeli Embassy Staff Shot Dead Outside Jewish Museum in Washington, DC

Two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, were fatally shot outside the capital’s Jewish museum in what officials are calling a targeted act of anti-Semitic violence.

The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were gunned down after attending a pro-Gazan event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspected shooter, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, approached the couple and opened fire.

The Israeli Embassy confirmed their deaths in a statement: “They were in the prime of their lives. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss.”

Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, said the two were a couple planning to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem. “The young man had purchased a ring this week to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Leiter said.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar officially identified the victims, whose careers reflected deep commitments to peace and diplomacy.

Milgrim held advanced degrees in international affairs and sustainable development from American University and the University for Peace. She had previously worked at Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv, focusing on grassroots peacebuilding between Israelis and Palestinians.

“I am eager to contribute to organisations dedicated to bridging divides, promoting religious harmony, and advancing sustainable practices,” she once wrote.

Lischinsky, a policy expert on Middle East and North African Affairs at the embassy, holds a Master’s Degree in Government, Diplomacy & Strategy from Reichman University and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations & Asian Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

He had expressed strong support for the Abraham Accords, writing that regional cooperation was “in the best interest of the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole.”

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez had been pacing outside the museum before the shooting. After the attack, he entered the venue and was detained by security. Witnesses initially believed he was seeking help.

Eyewitness Katie Kalisher told the BBC: “Around 9.07 pm, we heard gunshots. And then a guy came in looking distressed. We thought he just needed help.”

Another witness, Yoni Kalin, said: “He came in, people were calming him down, bringing him water, taking care of him. Little did we know he had executed people in cold blood. He was the shooter.”

When law enforcement arrived, Rodriguez allegedly admitted to the killings. “I did this. I’m unarmed,” he reportedly said, pulling out a red keffiyeh and shouting slogans including “Free Palestine” and “Intifada revolution.”

Chief Smith confirmed that Rodriguez had not attended the event and had no prior contact with police. “Our joint terrorism task force is working very closely with the FBI to ensure that we can do a deep dive into his background,” she said.

Event organiser JoJo Klin condemned the violence but vowed to continue peace efforts. “I’m not going to lose my humanity over this or be deterred.

Israelis and Palestinians both still deserve self-determination,” he said. “It was bridge building, and then we were all hit over the head with such hatred.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by pledging increased security at Israeli embassies worldwide. “My heart aches for the families of the beloved young man and woman, whose lives were cut short by a heinous antisemitic murderer,” he said.

Attorney General Pam Bondi was reportedly at the scene alongside former judge Jeanine Pirro, who now serves as the U.S. Attorney in Washington.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, called the attack a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and expressed confidence in U.S. authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump also responded via Truth Social, writing: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on anti-Semitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims.”

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser assured the public there is no ongoing threat. “We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city,” she said.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog described the killings as a “despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism,” adding: “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered.”

The attack comes against the backdrop of a new Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel that left 1,200 dead and 250 hostages taken, has since claimed over 53,000 lives in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Most of the dead are said to be women and children.

The ongoing conflict has displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents, created a hunger crisis, and devastated the region’s infrastructure, fueling tensions across the Middle East.