Two Israeli embassy employees who were about to become engaged were shot dead yesterday evening (Wednesday) outside an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
D.C. police chief Pamela A. Smith said at a press briefing that police believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. According to officials at the museum, Rodriguez chanted “Free, free Palestine”, before being detained.
Yechiel Leiter, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., told reporters the two victims were a couple about to become engaged. They have been named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
“The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of Free Palestine was a young couple about to be engaged,” Leiter said. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”
Chief Smith said the suspect was seen pacing back and forth outside the museum building before approaching a group of four people, producing a handgun and opening fire.
After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and, according to an eyewitness who spoke to CNN, then admitted he was the shooter.
US President, Donald Trump, wrote on Truth Social : “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a statement that he’s “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting, adding that he had instructed Israeli missions around the world to strengthen security.
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