Two Israeli embassy staffers were killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., where an American Jewish Committee event was held on Wednesday evening (May 21).
The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, according to The New York Times.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said an early investigation determined that the victims were exiting the museum at the time of the shooting. Smith said the suspect, whom she identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, entered the museum and was detained by security for the event. He chanted, “Free, Free Palestine,” in police custody, Smith said.
‘Did it for Gaza’
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum,” she said at a news conference. “He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents.”
Eyewitnesses said the suspect said he “did it for Gaza,” according to CNN.
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
At the news conference, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the shooting occurred shortly after 9 p.m.
“We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism,” she said.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel (Michael) Leiter said the victims were a couple that planned to soon become engaged to be married.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Adelle M. Banks and originally published by Religion News Service.
