On a somber Wednesday night, Washington D.C. was struck by tragedy as two employees from the Israeli embassy were fatally shot. The assailant, upon capture, reportedly shouted "Free Palestine!" according to authorities and news agencies.
The shocking event transpired outside the Jewish Museum, situated in an area surrounded by government buildings and popular tourist sites, including the FBI headquarters. Police received numerous reports of gunfire near the museum around 9:08 PM local time (1:08 AM GMT).
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgram, were found unconscious at the scene. Both were attending a Jewish professional event organized by the American Jewish Committee to "promote unity and celebrate Jewish heritage," as reported by the BBC.
The Israeli embassy confirmed the victims' identities, expressing profound grief. "Our staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder," stated Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. He revealed that the couple had planned to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem, with Lischinsky having recently purchased a ring.
Lischinsky, a 28-year-old German national, had relocated to Israel in his teens and joined the Washington embassy staff in 2022. Known for fostering German-Israeli relations, he was part of a community advocating for bilateral understanding and was a devout Christian.
Milgram was actively involved in Jewish events throughout the city and was beloved by her peers for her friendly demeanor.
The Attacker and His Capture
The suspect, Elías Rodríguez, a 30-year-old of Hispanic descent from Chicago, was identified by the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington (MPD). He was seen loitering outside the museum before opening fire on a group of people.
After the attack, Rodríguez entered the museum, where security personnel apprehended him. Witnesses and officials reported that he shouted "Free Palestine, free!" upon his arrest.
MPD Chief Pamela Smith clarified that there had been no prior intelligence warnings of an imminent threat, and the suspect had no criminal history suggesting such violence. Federal and security agencies are investigating potential terrorist connections or whether this was a hate crime.
The FBI also confirmed its investigation into any possible links to terrorism or bias-driven motives.
Reactions from National and International Leaders
Former President Donald Trump was one of the first to respond, condemning the antisemitic nature of the murders via his Truth Social account. "These horrific murders in DC, obviously rooted in antisemitism, must end NOW! Hate and radicalism have no place in America. My condolences to the victims' families. It's so sad that things like this can happen. God bless you ALL!" he wrote.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, vowing to "seek out the perpetrators and bring them to justice."
Internationally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his outrage, describing the attack as another example of the growing global tide of anti-Jewish sentiment. "We're witnessing the terrible cost of antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel are on the rise and must be fought to the end," he asserted.
Netanyahu also announced immediate security reinforcements for all Israeli diplomatic missions abroad. President Isaac Herzog lamented the "despicable act of hatred and antisemitism" and offered condolences to the victims' families, maintaining communication with Ambassador Leiter and American Jewish Committee Director Ted Deutch.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar urged global leaders to halt hostile rhetoric against Israel, while the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, called for societies free from hate, extremism, or antisemitism.
The event, meant to foster support for Gaza residents, took on a tragic irony in its aftermath. JoJo Kalin, a board member of the American Jewish Committee and event organizer, expressed profound guilt yet reaffirmed his commitment to peace.
Key Questions About the Washington D.C. Attack
Who were the victims in the Washington D.C. shooting?
The victims were Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgram, employees of the Israeli embassy attending a Jewish professional event.
What were the motives behind the attack?
The motives are still under investigation, but initial reports suggest potential ties to antisemitism, as the attacker shouted "Free Palestine!" upon arrest.
How did international leaders react to the attack?
Leaders like Benjamin Netanyahu and Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, highlighting the global rise in antisemitism and calling for increased security measures.