A deadly shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night claimed the lives of two Israeli Embassy staff members in what law enforcement is investigating as a targeted hate crime.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, opened fire on a group of people outside the museum just after 9 p.m. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were leaving the museum when Rodriguez allegedly approached, drew a handgun, and fired. Witnesses say he shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody by museum security.
According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, the gunman had been pacing outside the museum before the attack. He later entered the museum after the shooting and directed authorities to where he had discarded the weapon. Investigators are reviewing his social media and seized electronic devices.
The victims, described by Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. as a young couple soon to be engaged, were found unconscious and not breathing by first responders. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the “horrific, antisemitic” act and ordered heightened security at Israeli embassies worldwide. President Isaac Herzog echoed the sentiment, calling the shooting “a despicable act of hatred.”
President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, decrying the killings as “obviously based on antisemitism,” and urged an end to such violence. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who visited the scene, confirmed that the president had been briefed.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The investigation is being handled jointly by the FBI and D.C. Metropolitan Police, with federal charges expected.
Officials stress the seriousness of antisemitic violence and have vowed swift justice.
