Two Israeli diplomats murdered near a Jewish museum in Washington DC

suspect in custody

A suspect has been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on the night of Wednesday May 21, 2025.

The gunman, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, approached a group of four individuals leaving an event at the museum and opened fire.

The attack resulted in the deaths of a man and a woman, both of whom were later confirmed to be affiliated with the Israeli embassy.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum, shortly before the incident.

The museum is said to be located near the FBI’s field office.

After carrying out the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where event security managed to detain him until law enforcement arrived.

Upon his arrest, the suspect shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” according to police accounts.

Officials have stated that Rodriguez was not listed on any security watchlists.

According to them, there had also been no prior indications of elevated security threats in the area before the shooting.

Authorities also confirmed that the firearm used in the incident was recovered at the scene.

The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, both employees of the Israeli embassy.

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter described them as a young couple on the verge of becoming engaged.

The embassy released a statement mourning the loss, saying: “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 DC.

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.”

Lischinsky was a member of the embassy’s political department.

His online biography states that he held a master’s degree in government, diplomacy, and strategy from Reichman University.

It also states that he held a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Hebrew University.

On his LinkedIn profile, Lischinsky wrote that he was a strong supporter of the Abraham Accords.

On it he also wrote that he advocated for regional cooperation, interfaith dialogue, and intercultural understanding as pathways to peace in the Middle East.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was present at the scene alongside U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, reported that she had spoken several times with President Donald Trump throughout the evening.

Trump addressed the tragedy on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, “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!”

Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, explained that the victims had been shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the museum.

“We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States,” she said.

FBI Director Kash Patel also commented, stating that his team had been briefed and were coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department.

“While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the attack, calling it a “despicable act of hatred” and an expression of antisemitism.

“Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured.

“I send my full support to the ambassador and all the embassy staff,” Herzog said.

Just one week prior to the shooting, the Capital Jewish Museum had been one of several local nonprofits awarded a portion of a $500,000 grant to bolster its security measures.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser addressed the public, assuring citizens there was no ongoing threat.

“We’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send the clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism,” she stated.

“What I do know is that the horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city, and in our country.

“I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hate.”

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