On Wednesday, May 21st, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are investigating as a targeted attack potentially motivated by antisemitism.
The victims, identified by the Israeli Foreign Ministry as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were leaving an event at the museum around 9:15 p.m. when the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, approached a group of four individuals and opened fire. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting. Following the incident, he entered the museum and was detained by security. While in custody, he reportedly chanted, “Free, free Palestine.” Authorities confirmed that the firearm used in the shooting was recovered nearby.
The Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are conducting a joint investigation, treating the case as a potential hate crime. Rodriguez had no prior criminal record, and law enforcement officials are currently reviewing his social media activity and electronic devices.
The victims had attended the American Jewish Committee’s Young Diplomats reception earlier that evening. Israeli officials confirmed the pair were a couple; Lischinsky, an Israeli national, worked as a research assistant, while Milgrim, an American citizen, organized embassy missions and visits to Israel. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter shared that Lischinsky had recently purchased an engagement ring with plans to propose in Jerusalem.
Former Israeli Ambassador Mike Herzog confirmed that Milgrim was an American. Witnesses said they heard gunshots and saw the suspect enter the museum appearing distressed. Israeli and U.S. officials strongly condemned the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “horrific, antisemitic” act and ordered increased security at Israeli missions. President Donald Trump offered condolences online and denounced antisemitism.
Authorities confirmed there is no ongoing threat. The suspect will appear in court in Washington, and the case is expected to move to federal court.
