Crime

Terror in DC: Two Israeli Diplomats Gunned Down Outside Jewish Museum

Published

May 22, 2025

Two Israeli diplomats were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Authorities say the act was targeted. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were leaving a private event when the gunman opened fire.

Police identified the shooter as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. Witnesses saw him pacing near the museum before the attack. He approached a small group and started shooting. Security detained him inside the building shortly after, as he shouted, “Free, free Palestine!”

Emergency responders arrived quickly and tried to revive the victims. But both Lischinsky and Milgrim died at the scene. Police recovered a firearm and confirmed Rodriguez acted alone.

A Planned Proposal Cut Short by Tragedy

Lischinsky and Milgrim were in a serious relationship. He had just purchased a ring and planned to propose next week in Jerusalem. “They were in the prime of their lives,” said Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called the shooting an attack on peace and community. “We will not tolerate hate, antisemitism, or violence in our city,” she said.

The American Jewish Committee hosted the event, which brought together young Jewish professionals working in foreign policy. The evening focused on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

The Israeli Embassy shared a public message of grief. “Yaron and Sarah were cherished members of our team. Our hearts are with their families,” the statement read.

Federal agencies are now treating the shooting as a possible hate crime or act of terrorism. FBI Assistant Director Steven Jensen confirmed that investigators are reviewing ideological motives.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the attack. He called it “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.” He also expressed confidence in U.S. authorities to act swiftly.

This tragedy has shaken the diplomatic and Jewish communities in Washington. It highlights rising concerns about the safety of diplomats and the growing threat of politically motivated violence.