Trump, Netanyahu Condemn DC Shooting of 2 Israelis/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Two Israeli Embassy employees were shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. The alleged shooter shouted “Free Palestine” after his arrest. Officials believe the attack was motivated by antisemitism amid global tensions.
Embassy Shooting in DC Quick Looks
- Victims Identified: Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Milgrim—Israeli Embassy staffers
- Location: Outside Capital Jewish Museum, Washington, D.C.
- Suspect: Elias Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago
- Motive Cited: Shouted “Free, Free Palestine” at arrest
- Incident: Occurred after Jewish humanitarian event
- Response: Trump, Netanyahu condemn attack as antisemitic
- Casualties: Two killed in apparent targeted shooting
- Security Impact: Heightened security at Israeli missions worldwide
- Community Reaction: Jewish leaders call for unity and vigilance
- Ongoing Investigations: No known broader threat to community
Deep Look: Israeli Embassy Workers Killed in Targeted D.C. Shooting Amid Rising Global Tensions
WASHINGTON — May 22, 2025 — Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. were shot and killed Wednesday night just steps from the Capital Jewish Museum. According to law enforcement, the suspect shouted “Free, Free Palestine” upon his arrest, in what authorities are calling a targeted antisemitic attack.
The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, a research assistant, and Sarah Milgrim, who organized diplomatic missions and delegations to Israel. Israeli officials later said the two were a couple, with plans to become engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.
Shooting After Diplomatic Event
The incident occurred shortly after a Young Diplomats reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee, meant to foster dialogue and humanitarian aid between Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities.
As the two victims and two other embassy staffers exited the event, the suspect—identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago—opened fire. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez had been pacing outside the museum prior to the attack, then entered the building briefly before being detained by security.
Suspect’s Words and Motive
After being handcuffed, Rodriguez began yelling “Free Palestine!” and reportedly brandished a red keffiyeh. Witnesses described him as distressed and confused, initially receiving assistance before the true nature of the situation became clear.
“This was a humanitarian event. How do you reconcile murdering people who came here to help?” said eyewitness Yoni Kalin, who was inside the museum.
Police have not announced formal charges, but officials say Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned shortly.
White House and Israeli Reactions
President Donald Trump condemned the killings as “antisemitic” in a Truth Social post:
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed the sentiment:
“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said, expressing shock and calling the shooting a “horrific” tragedy.
Victims Were Soon-to-Be Engaged
Ambassador Yechiel Leiter revealed that Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to Milgrim during their visit to Jerusalem next week.
Former Israeli Ambassador Mike Herzog confirmed Milgrim was an American working for the embassy, while Lischinsky was Israeli.
Law Enforcement and DOJ Response
Attorney General Pam Bondi, present near the scene, said the federal government is taking the matter seriously. Bondi confirmed Trump was “involved in managing the incident” and promised a swift investigation.
The FBI Deputy Director, Dan Bongino, described the attack as “targeted violence.” Authorities say there is no indication of a broader threat to the Jewish community in Washington at this time.
Disturbing Footage Emerges
The pan-Arab network Al Jazeera broadcast phone footage showing a man in formal wear—believed to be Rodriguez—being detained and shouting pro-Palestinian slogans.
At one point, Trump held up a stack of photos of murdered white South Africans in a separate White House meeting earlier in the day, linking global concerns about violence with rising radicalism.
Remembering the Victims
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, mourned the loss:
“This is a shocking act of violence. Our community is holding each other tighter tonight. May their memories be for a blessing.”
The Capital Jewish Museum, which had recently received a federal security grant due to threats linked to its Jewish and LGBTQ programming, released a statement expressing “deep sadness and horror.”
Broader Conflict: Gaza’s Impact
This attack comes amid a devastating new phase in Israel’s war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 incursion that killed 1,200 Israelis. Israel’s response has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, mostly women and children.
The conflict has increased antisemitic and anti-Muslim violence worldwide, with Western cities tightening security around embassies and religious institutions.
Background: Israel-Palestine Conflict and U.S. Ties
The two-state peace process has been dormant for years, and U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s second term has tilted sharply in favor of Israel. Trump recently cut aid to South Africa, citing pro-Hamas policies, and approved further funding for Israel’s “Golden Dome” missile shield.
Meanwhile, Israeli diplomats globally remain vulnerable targets, as they have been over decades of intermittent warfare and political tensions.
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