Tragic Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff Near Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – A devastating incident unfolded Wednesday night, as two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot near the Capital Jewish Museum. The attack occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. ET, as the victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were leaving a Jewish event hosted by the American Jewish Committee.

According to Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four individuals, drawing a handgun, and opening fire. Both victims were struck at close range and, despite emergency efforts, succumbed to their injuries. Rodriguez was apprehended inside the museum shortly after the shooting, reportedly chanting “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem condemned the attack, stating, “Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We are actively investigating and working to bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who visited the scene alongside acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro, confirmed she had been in contact with President Donald Trump multiple times during the evening. President Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, saying, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Israeli Embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen shared the embassy’s grief: “Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot this evening at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum. We have full faith in law enforcement authorities to protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since ordered heightened security measures at Israeli missions worldwide.

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, which was hosting the event themed “turning pain into purpose,” expressed devastation: “This is a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy.” The event featured speakers from the Multifaith Alliance and IsraAID, focusing on humanitarian diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa.

The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, labeled it “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” while Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for solidarity with the victims’ families. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized, “We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city. We will stand together as a community against antisemitism.”

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area in Northwest D.C. as they continue to gather details. The Israeli Embassy is working closely with local and federal law enforcement to ensure justice is served and the safety of its staff and the broader Jewish community is secured.