On the evening of May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The couple, who were planning to get engaged, had just attended a diplomatic event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. Reuters+3The Guardian+3Wikipedia+3
At a press conference, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith provided details about the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. Smith stated that Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before opening fire on a group of four individuals, killing Lischinsky and Milgrim. After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where he was apprehended by security personnel. Upon arrest, he reportedly chanted “Free, free Palestine” and directed officers to the location of the discarded weapon, which was subsequently recovered. BBC+6Reuters+6The Guardian+6The Times
Chief Smith noted that Rodriguez had no prior criminal record and was not previously known to law enforcement. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is collaborating with local authorities in the ongoing investigation, which is being treated as a potential hate crime and act of antisemitic terrorism. Time+2New York Post+2The Washington Post+2
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, condemned the attack as a heinous act of antisemitic terrorism. Netanyahu emphasized the need for increased security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. The Guardian+1The Washington Post+1The Washington Post
U.S. leaders have also expressed outrage. President Donald Trump labeled the attack as “horrible” and “based obviously on antisemitism,” while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged to bring the perpetrator to justice. ABC News
The Capital Jewish Museum, located near several federal offices, had recently received security funding due to concerns over threats to Jewish institutions. Its executive director, Beatrice Gurwitz, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by Jewish communities amid heightened security risks.
This incident has intensified concerns over rising antisemitism and the safety of diplomatic personnel, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Authorities continue to investigate the shooting, and security measures have been heightened at Israeli diplomatic missions globally.