Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in DC Shooting

WASHINGTON — Two Israeli Embassy staffers said to be days away from getting engaged were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capitol Jewish Museum in the Northwest section of Washington, D.C.

According to the D.C. Metropolitan Police, the shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on the 500 block of 3rd Street NW.

The couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were shot outside a Young Diplomats Reception for Jewish professionals hosted by the American Jewish Committee.

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters during a news briefing Wednesday night that the alleged gunman, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, had been seen pacing back and forth in front of the museum before approaching a group of four people.

He then “produced a handgun and opened fire,” Smith said.

Rodriguez then put the gun down and walked into the lobby of the museum, where he shouted “Free, free Palestine!” before being apprehended by museum security personnel.

Smith said Rodriguez confessed to the crime and that his weapon has been recovered.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said during the same briefing that the District government “will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city. 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 a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism.”

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said, “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!” he added.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Lischinsky worked as a research assistant at the embassy, while Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.

Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said Lischinsky planned to propose to Milgrim during a trip to Jerusalem next week.

In a post on X, the embassy said, “Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.

“This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C.,” the post continued. “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. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”

Ted Deutch, the CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said in a statement on X: “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue.”