Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in DC Shooting

May 22, 2025 by Dan McCue
Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in DC Shooting
Law enforcement work the scene after two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum, Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

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.”

A+
a-
  • American Jewish Committee
  • DC shooting
  • embassy staffers
  • Israeli Embassy
  • Israeli's murdered
  • Sarah Milgrim
  • Yaron Lischinsky
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Crime

    May 22, 2025
    by Dan McCue
    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... Read More

    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... Read More

    Layoffs, Closures and Gaps in Oversight Expected After Hundreds of DOJ Grants Canceled

    A deaf mother trying to escape her abusive husband came to a domestic violence shelter seeking help, but she couldn't... Read More

    A deaf mother trying to escape her abusive husband came to a domestic violence shelter seeking help, but she couldn't communicate fluently with American Sign Language. Shelter workers contacted Activating Change, a group that can provide sign language interpreters who are trained to help people experiencing... Read More

    US Intelligence Contradicts Trump Claims Linking Gang to Venezuelan Government to Speed Deportations

    WASHINGTON (AP) — A new U.S. intelligence assessment found no coordination between Tren de Aragua and the Venezuelan government, contradicting... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — A new U.S. intelligence assessment found no coordination between Tren de Aragua and the Venezuelan government, contradicting statements that Trump administration officials have made to justify their invocation of the Alien Enemies Act and deporting Venezuelan migrants, according to U.S. officials. The classified assessment... Read More

    Fear and Panic at Florida State as Deadly Shooting Sends Students Fleeing

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — When a 20-year-old opened fire at Florida State University, terrified students barricaded doors and fled across campus, abandoning... Read More

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — When a 20-year-old opened fire at Florida State University, terrified students barricaded doors and fled across campus, abandoning chemistry notes and even shoes, in a shooting that investigators said killed two men and wounded at least six others. By early Friday, memorials of candles... Read More

    Suspect in Arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's Residence Planned to Beat Him, Documents Say

    HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who authorities said scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night,... Read More

    HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who authorities said scaled an iron security fence in the middle of the night, eluded police and broke into the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion where he set a fire had planned to beat Gov. Josh Shapiro with a hammer if he found him,... Read More

    New Mexico Governor Mobilizes National Guard to Tackle Crime Emergency in Albuquerque

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in New Mexico’s largest city,... Read More

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in New Mexico’s largest city, saying that a significant increase in crime in Albuquerque warrants the help of the New Mexico National Guard. She signed an executive order, clearing the way... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top