WASHINGTON, D.C. – A horrifying shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum has left two embassy staff members dead and sparked international outrage. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, was arrested at the scene and is now facing multiple murder and terrorism-related charges, according to U.S. officials.
The victims were Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, an American working at the Israeli Embassy. The two were in a relationship and were said to be planning to marry.
What Happened?
The shooting took place late Wednesday night, just one mile from the White House, during a social gathering hosted by the American Jewish Committee for young Jewish professionals and diplomats.
According to court documents, Rodriguez approached the victims from behind and fired 21 rounds, continuing to shoot even after they had collapsed. Witnesses described a gruesome scene, with Milgrim attempting to crawl away before being shot again.
The suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while being taken into custody and later told police, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, including murder of foreign officials, which could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, who is leading the case, confirmed the incident is being investigated as both a terrorist act and a hate crime. A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for June 18, with additional charges expected as the investigation progresses.
International Reactions: Anti-Semitism in the Spotlight
The attack has stirred international concern and political tension. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused European leaders of fueling anti-Israel sentiment, which he claims directly contributed to the violence:
“There is a direct line connecting anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder.”
In response, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Christophe Lemoine called the accusation “completely outrageous and unjustified.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it the result of “wild incitement against the State of Israel.”
President Trump, Netanyahu Respond
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu shortly after the attack. In a social media post, Trump described the incident as a clear act of anti-Semitism.
Netanyahu also pointed fingers at governments critical of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, saying their words were “emboldening militants” like Rodriguez.
The Victims: Devoted Public Servants
Both victims had deep ties to the Israeli diplomatic community:
- Yaron Lischinsky was a researcher at the Israeli embassy.
- Sarah Milgrim worked in the public diplomacy department, according to their LinkedIn profiles.
Their tragic deaths came just days after the museum received a grant to increase security, amid growing global concerns over rising anti-Semitism linked to the conflict in Gaza.
Public Mourning and Emotional Reactions
On Thursday, mourners gathered outside the Capital Jewish Museum for prayers and memorials. Many expressed shock and sadness, especially in light of recent global tensions.
One mourner, Gil Livni, said:
“The war is awful… But anti-Semitism, I feel it every day. People I thought were my friends have shown their true feelings. It’s become normal.”
Hadar Susskind, president of New Jewish Narrative, called the event “unbelievably painful,” adding, “This cannot be the answer.”