Two Israeli Diplomats Shot Dead in Washington, D.C.

 

Washington, D.C., May 21, 2025 — A tragic shooting outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum has left two Israeli diplomats dead in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime and act of antisemitic terrorism.

The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, were both staff members at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. They had just attended a networking event for young Jewish professionals hosted by the American Jewish Committee when the attack occurred. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a man shout “Free, free Palestine” during and after the incident.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene without further incident. Law enforcement officials stated that Rodriguez has known ties to far-left political groups and had previously participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Authorities believe he acted alone, but investigations are ongoing.

“This was not just a targeted attack on two diplomats — it was an attack on the Jewish community,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Scott. The FBI and local police are jointly handling the investigation, examining whether the shooting qualifies as a hate crime under federal law.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the killings, calling them “a vile act of antisemitic terrorism,” while President Isaac Herzog expressed deep sorrow and pledged full cooperation with U.S. authorities. President Donald Trump also issued a statement, denouncing the incident as “an appalling act of antisemitism.”

The Capital Jewish Museum, which opened in 2023, is a symbol of Jewish history and resilience in Washington. It remained closed following the incident as a precaution. The tragic deaths have shocked both the local and international Jewish communities, intensifying concerns about rising antisemitic violence in the United States.