The man accused of killing two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials and other counts. The shooting has been described by the FBI has called ‘a targeted act of terrorism,’ with the suspect shouting “Free Palestine” as he was being detained.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the victims in a statement as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim: “We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. May their memory be a blessing. We embrace the grieving families during this painful time and will continue to support them always. Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts — defending the country with their very lives. We will not be deterred by terror. We will continue our mission across the globe, with unwavering commitment to represent Israel with pride.”
The incident occurred as Lischinsky and Milgrim were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the shooting as a deliberate act of terror. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith said the shooting was reported at 9:08 p.m. local time and occurred outside the museum, which is located near an FBI field office in the heart of the U.S. capital. The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department said that responding officers found the victims with gunshot wounds, unconscious and not breathing.
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., told reporters that Milgrim was from Kansas, and Lischinsky was an Israeli citizen; and said the couple were on the verge of getting engaged: “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.” Lischinsky worked as a political researcher, and Milgrim was involved in coordinating U.S. delegations to Israel, serving as support staff at the embassy.
The alleged shooter, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. The suspected shooter is said to have waited for police to arrive before saying he “did it for Gaza.” U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said at a news conference Thursday afternoon: “this is a horrific crime, and these crimes are not going to be tolerated by me and my office.” Pirro said Rodriguez appeared in court Thursday and was advised by the judge that, if convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison. A preliminary hearing is set for June 18 and Rodriguez will remain in detention.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Bongino said: “the subject is currently being interviewed by DC Metro in conjunction with our FBI JTTF team. The US Attorney’s office is on scene with me, and our WFO management team, at the Washington Field Office reviewing the evidence to determine additional actions The shooting happened a short distance from our Washington Field Office. Our FBI police officers, assigned to posts on the WFO property, immediately responded and rendered aid after the attack Early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence. Our FBI team is fully engaged and we will get you answers as soon as we can, without compromising additional leads.”
President Donald Trump called Ambassador Leiter to express condolences and pledged support in the fight against antisemitism. He later posted on Truth Social: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that current evidence suggests Rodriguez acted alone: “a young man with his whole life ahead of him, planning to propose, has been taken from us. This hate must end. We will pursue full justice … Nobody could have predicted what happened. This was a peaceful gathering. Law enforcement responded swiftly, and both the FBI and MPD are doing an outstanding job.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning the murders: “I was shocked by the killing of two embassy staff members in Washington. I have instructed for increased security at Israeli missions worldwide and offered strength to their colleagues and families.” Netanyahu personally spoke with the parents of both victims and remains in close contact with Israeli officials in the U.S.
Following the attack, the U.S. Secret Service ramped up protection at the Israeli Embassy and the ambassador’s residence in Washington. In New York, the NYPD also heightened security at Jewish and Israeli institutions. These measures will remain in effect for the foreseeable future. The Capital Jewish Museum, which has been closed since the incident, plans to reopen soon with additional security, said executive director Beatrice Gurwitz.
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