by Temitope Oladeji
22/5/2025
The Israeli Embassy in Washington has expressed profound grief over the killing of two of its staff members on Wednesday night, describing the loss as “heartbreaking and devastating.”
The victims, identified by the Israeli Foreign Ministry as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were a young couple reportedly on the verge of engagement.
The lovers were gunned down by a lone shooter as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, located in the Northwest section of the U.S. capital, approximately two kilometers from the White House.
According to law enforcement, the assailant opened fire on a group of four individuals near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets NW.
The attacker fatally struck both Lischinsky and Milgrim before being apprehended by security personnel inside the museum.
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old man from Chicago.
“The suspect, who had been observed pacing outside the museum prior to the attack, shouted ‘Free Palestine, Free Palestine’ after being detained,” Chief Smith stated.
She added that the suspect cooperated in revealing the location of the firearm used in the attack. Authorities also noted that Rodriguez had no prior police record.
Emergency services arrived swiftly, but despite resuscitation efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
The area was secured, and a police cordon remained in place through the night.
“This community will not tolerate hate or anti-Semitic violence,” said Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser during a press briefing.
“We understand this incident will instill fear, but let me be clear there is no ongoing threat to public safety. We are united in ensuring justice is served.”
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, paid a moving tribute, revealing that Lischinsky had planned to propose to Milgrim next week during their planned trip to Jerusalem.
“They were in the prime of their lives dear friends and colleagues,” the embassy stated.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from leaders across both nations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the murders a “heinous act of anti-Semitic violence” and directed a global review of security at all Israeli diplomatic missions.
“My heart aches for the families of these beloved young people,” said Netanyahu. “We will not allow hatred to triumph.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, writing on Truth Social, called the killings “horrific” and urged an end to anti-Semitic violence. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he posted.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the killings, describing them as a “despicable act of hatred.”
He added, “Israel and the United States will stand united in the face of terror and bigotry. We will not be broken.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the shooting a “brazen, cowardly act of anti-Semitic violence,” pledging swift justice for those responsible.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem vowed that the perpetrator would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were seen at the crime scene late Wednesday.
Deputy FBI Director Don Bongino confirmed that the Bureau is actively assisting the Washington police department in the investigation, noting, “Early indicators suggest this was a targeted act. We are working diligently to uncover all the facts.”