Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in Washington, D.C. Shooting - Suspect in Custody

Washington, D.C. – Two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, May 21, 2025, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime or act of terrorism. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was detained shortly after the incident and reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while in custody, according to law enforcement officials.

The victims, a young couple described as being on the verge of engagement, were leaving a Young Diplomats Reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) when the shooting occurred around 9:08 p.m. ET. Lischinsky, a German-Israeli dual national and research assistant in the embassy’s political department, had recently purchased a ring to propose to Milgrim, who worked in the embassy’s public diplomacy department, organizing visits to Israel. “They were in the prime of their lives,” said Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., in a statement. “The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder.”

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith reported that Rodriguez was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people, opening fire with a handgun, and killing Lischinsky and Milgrim. After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where he was detained by event security. The firearm was recovered, and police have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting in the investigation, with authorities examining Rodriguez’s writings for potential motives, including antisemitism or terrorism.

The event at the Capital Jewish Museum was focused on “turning pain into purpose,” bringing together young professionals to discuss humanitarian diplomacy and bridge-building in the Middle East. “It’s painfully ironic that at a time we were speaking about bridge building, somebody came in with such hate and destruction,” said Jojo Kalin, an event organizer who unknowingly offered water to Rodriguez, mistaking him for a distressed bystander.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack as an “abhorrent antisemitic murder,” ordering increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. “We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel,” he said. U.S. President Donald Trump also denounced the shooting, stating on Truth Social, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”

The AJC, which organized the event, expressed devastation. “Our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families,” said CEO Ted Deutch. The Jewish community in Washington, already grappling with rising antisemitism, was left in shock. Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, emphasized resilience: “Jewish people will continue to live their lives openly and not be deterred.”

Lischinsky, 28, was remembered as a Christian who converted to Judaism and was dedicated to fostering German-Israeli relations, while Milgrim, a Jewish American from Kansas City, was an active volunteer with groups like Tech2Peace, promoting dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis. Their deaths have sparked renewed calls for enhanced security at Jewish and diplomatic institutions amid heightened tensions over Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The investigation continues, with Rodriguez expected to face federal charges. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed that the suspect “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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