Two employees of the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday night, May 21st, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., following an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was apprehended shortly after the incident and is currently in custody.
According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four individuals and opening fire. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were found with gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene. Lischinsky, an Israeli national, worked as a research assistant at the Embassy, while Milgrim, an American citizen, coordinated diplomatic visits.
Authorities believe the attack was targeted. Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum immediately after the shooting and was detained by security. While in custody, he repeatedly chanted, “Free, free Palestine.” Law enforcement officials have described the shooting as a hate crime and are investigating the suspect’s background and possible motives. His electronic devices have been seized, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation. No ongoing threat to public safety has been identified.
Witnesses inside the museum recounted the moments after the attack. One attendee noted that people initially thought Rodriguez was in distress and offered him water before realizing he was the suspect. Upon arrest, he removed a red keffiyeh and continued shouting slogans related to the Palestinian cause.
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed the couple’s plans to become engaged, noting that Lischinsky had recently purchased a ring and intended to propose in Jerusalem. Leiter remarked that the couple shot in the name of Free Palestine were a young pair who were about to become engaged.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the incident, describing it as a “horrific, antisemitic” act, and ordered heightened security at Israeli missions worldwide. President Trump also responded, calling the attack “based obviously on antisemitism” and urged for an end to such violence.
Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez will initially face charges in the local court system, with the case likely to proceed to federal court. Investigations are ongoing.
