On the evening of May 21, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staff members: Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 27. The couple, who were planning to become engaged, had just attended a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an event aimed at fostering unity among Jewish professionals and the diplomatic community.
The alleged shooter, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene. Witnesses reported that he chanted “Free, free Palestine” upon arrest, suggesting a politically motivated attack. Rodriguez had previously been associated with the far-left Party for Socialism and Liberation and had participated in protests in Chicago.
The incident has been widely condemned by both U.S. and Israeli officials. U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the killings as acts of antisemitism, stating, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack, with Netanyahu attributing it to increasing anti-Israel incitement.
The FBI and local police have launched a joint investigation into the incident, which is being prosecuted by the U.S. attorney. Security has been heightened at Israeli embassies worldwide in response to the attack.
This tragic event underscores the rising concerns about antisemitic violence and the safety of diplomatic personnel amid ongoing tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.