A tragic act of violence unfolded outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, leaving two Israeli Embassy staff members dead and reigniting concerns over antisemitic violence and political extremism in the United States.
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were young diplomats in their twenties, remembered by Israel’s Ambassador to the United States as a “young couple about to be engaged.” The shooting occurred as the American Jewish Committee (AJC) hosted a prominent event focused on strengthening U.S.-Israel relations and addressing rising antisemitism globally. Attendees included diplomats, lawmakers, and members of the Jewish community.
According to DC Metropolitan Police, the suspect — 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago — approached the area just after 8:30 p.m. and opened fire at close range, fatally wounding both victims before calmly surrendering. Witnesses say Rodriguez did not attempt to flee the scene. Instead, he remained at the site and appeared to be waiting for law enforcement. Upon being apprehended, he reportedly told police officers, “I did it for Gaza,” and chanted “Free Free Palestine,” according to multiple eyewitness accounts shared with CNN.
Authorities confirmed that Rodriguez acted alone, and there is no current indication of additional threats. Investigators are now exploring the suspect’s background, digital footprint, and potential ties to extremist ideologies or networks. Early reports suggest Rodriguez may have radicalized online and had previously posted inflammatory content about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington released a statement mourning the loss of two “dedicated young professionals who served their country with pride and hope for peace.” Israeli officials are coordinating with U.S. law enforcement and the State Department, urging a thorough investigation into what they called “a targeted act of terror.”
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum. Former President Donald Trump issued a statement saying, “Antisemitism, hatred, and radicalism have no place in the USA. This tragic loss of life is a reminder of the threats our allies face even on American soil.” Attorney General Pam Bondi added that she has been in close contact with Trump and has pledged full federal support to the District of Columbia. “All federal agencies will work hand-in-hand with local authorities to ensure justice is served and to protect our citizens,” Bondi said during a late-night press briefing.
The AJC canceled the remainder of the event and released a statement calling the incident “a horrifying attack on innocent lives and a direct assault on the values of tolerance and coexistence that our organization stands for.”
Jewish community leaders across the U.S. have expressed grief and outrage, with many calling for heightened security around synagogues, community centers, and diplomatic missions. Vigils are being planned in multiple cities, and a memorial for Lischinsky and Milgrim is expected to be held in Washington later this week.
This incident comes at a time of rising tensions and polarization over the Middle East conflict, with increased incidents of antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence reported across the country. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are once again calling for comprehensive strategies to address domestic extremism, online radicalization, and hate crimes.
As the investigation continues, both American and Israeli officials have vowed to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of justice, while also working to heal and unify communities shaken by this latest tragedy.