Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, as authorities arrested a 30-year-old suspect who chanted “Free Palestine” during his capture.
At a Glance
- Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was arrested for fatally shooting two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum
- The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, both Israeli embassy employees
- The suspect reportedly chanted “Free, free Palestine” upon arrest, suggesting a politically motivated attack
- Former President Donald Trump, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and other world leaders have condemned the attack as antisemitic
- The shooting occurs amid heightened tensions related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza
Deadly Attack on Israeli Embassy Staff
A 30-year-old man identified as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago has been arrested following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were gunned down in what officials are investigating as a possible hate crime. Rodriguez is currently the only suspect in custody, with authorities confirming there is no longer an active threat to the community. The suspect was not previously known to local authorities, according to reports.
During his arrest, Rodriguez reportedly chanted “Free, free Palestine,” suggesting political motivations behind the attack. Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the suspect “implied” responsibility for the shooting and informed authorities where he had discarded the weapon. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have joined local law enforcement in investigating the incident, with the scene cordoned off by federal agents as they gather evidence and seek to establish a definitive motive.
BREAKING: Suspect in shooting that killed 2 Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., chanted 'free, free Palestine' after arrest, police chief says. https://t.co/l7vkEVLITD pic.twitter.com/A9Cjw0fBvY
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 22, 2025
Swift Condemnation from Leaders
The attack has drawn immediate and forceful condemnation from leaders across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump issued a statement decrying the violence: “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!”
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog in a statement.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly condemned the attack, stating: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of two staff members from the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. Our prayers are with their loved ones. This was a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence. Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.” Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations described the incident as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead near Jewish museum in Washington DC, say US officials https://t.co/H9ERNhN1D8
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) May 22, 2025
Security Concerns and International Response
The shooting has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to call for enhanced security at Israeli missions worldwide. “We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and the wild incitement against the State of Israel. I have instructed to enhance security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world and to increase protection for state representatives,” Netanyahu stated. The attack occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions related to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of two staff members from the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. Our prayers are with their loved ones. This was a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence. Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
International leaders from Germany, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Italy have all issued statements condemning the attack. The Jewish Federations of North America expressed horror at the incident and confirmed they are working with security partners to understand the situation fully. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser joined other officials in reassuring the public that there was no ongoing threat while promising a thorough investigation into what appears to be a targeted attack against Israeli diplomatic personnel.
