Two members of the Israeli embassy were fatally shot outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night.
The Embassy of Israel to the United States confirmed the victims were a young couple — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
What happened?
The pair were gunned down shortly after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum around 9:15pm local time.
Located just two kilometres from the White House, the museum sits in central Washington.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect had been seen pacing near the venue before opening fire on a group of four people using a handgun. He then entered the museum, where he was apprehended by security.
“After being handcuffed, the suspect disclosed the location where he discarded the weapon, which has since been recovered,” Chief Smith said.
She added, “While in custody, the suspect chanted, ‘Free, free Palestine.’”
Smith confirmed the shooter acted alone and had no prior police contact. Authorities have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Who were the victims?
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were identified as the two victims.
“The entire embassy is heartbroken and devastated by their murder,” the Embassy of Israel said in a statement. “Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow at this horrific loss.”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter described them as “a beautiful couple” who were enjoying an evening out in Washington’s cultural district.
“The young man had just bought a ring this week and was planning to propose,” he added.
Former Israeli ambassador Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman was a U.S. citizen employed by the embassy, while the man was Israeli. According to Reuters, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said one of the victims may have held German citizenship.
What do we know about the suspect?
The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago.
It’s unclear at this time whether Rodriguez has legal representation. He is expected to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI on Thursday. The case will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington.
A police officer was seen carrying evidence from the scene as authorities continued their investigation.
International reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous antisemitic murder.”
“We are witnessing the grave consequences of antisemitism and aggressive incitement against the State of Israel,” he said. “These blood libels are turning literal, and we must combat them without hesitation.”
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary described the gunman as a “depraved perpetrator” and promised swift justice. He also announced heightened security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also spoke out, calling the attack “a direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement that has intensified since the October 7 massacre.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, calling the attack “obviously antisemitic.”
“These horrible DC killings must end, NOW!” he wrote on Truth Social. “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed shock and condemned the violence, saying, “Nothing can justify antisemitic attacks.”
