Washington, D.C.: Two staff members from Israel’s embassy in the United States were shot and killed Wednesday night in a targeted attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
The issue sparked widespread condemnation and raised fears of antisemitic violence. The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. (01:00 GMT Thursday), according to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith.
Authorities have arrested the lone suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, Illinois. “Before the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing in front of the museum. He approached a group of four individuals, drew a handgun, and opened fire,” Smith said during a press briefing.
Both victims, embassy staffers and a couple, were fatally wounded. According to Israel’s Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, the couple had been planning to marry, and the male victim had recently purchased a ring for a proposal in Jerusalem next week.
We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
May their memory be a blessing.We embrace the grieving families during this… pic.twitter.com/4lNQnTvORG
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 22, 2025
While under arrest, Rodriguez reportedly chanted, “Free, free, Palestine.” Authorities have yet to confirm the motive, though officials and observers have described the incident as antisemitic in nature.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vowed to “stand against hate and terrorism,” while US President Donald Trump condemned the attack as “obviously based on antisemitism.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed a federal investigation is underway. Attorney General Pamela Bondi, present at the scene, said she was “praying for the victims.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased security at Israeli missions worldwide. Security analyst Richard Weitz described the shooting as a “well-planned assassination,” noting that lower-level embassy personnel often lack security protection.
The American Jewish Committee, which had hosted an event at the venue, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.
