Tragic Shooting Claims Lives of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. — On the evening of May 21, 2025, a solemn event at the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., turned tragic when two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, a German-Israeli national, and Sarah Milgrim, an American Jew, were leaving a "Young Diplomats Reception" hosted by the American Jewish Committee when the attack occurred.
The assailant, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, approached the couple outside the museum and opened fire, killing them both. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez, after the shooting, entered the museum, was subdued by event security, and was heard chanting "Free, free Palestine!" during his arrest.
Authorities, including the FBI and local police, are investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence. While initial reports suggest Rodriguez acted alone, his exact motivations remain under scrutiny. No prior criminal history or affiliations with extremist groups have been confirmed at this time.
The victims were not only colleagues but also a couple planning to get engaged in Jerusalem the following week. Lischinsky served as a research assistant at the embassy, focusing on Middle Eastern affairs, while Milgrim worked in public diplomacy, fostering community relations.
In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, attributing it to rising antisemitism and incitement against Israel. He ordered increased security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. U.S. President Donald Trump also denounced the killings, labeling them as a manifestation of hatred and radicalism that has no place in the United States.
The Capital Jewish Museum, which had recently enhanced its security due to concerns over antisemitism and a new LGBTQ exhibit, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The museum emphasized its commitment to being a welcoming and secure space for all visitors.
This tragic event underscores the escalating tensions and the urgent need to address antisemitism and violence targeting Jewish communities and institutions.