Peace event turns deadly as 2 Israeli embassy staff shot dead in D.C.
WASHINGTON (AP) – May 22, 2025 — Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, in what U.S. officials are calling a targeted antisemitic attack. The shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody by museum security.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli national, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, an American from Overland Park, Kansas, were exiting a diplomatic event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) when they were ambushed. Authorities confirmed the two had been in a relationship and were planning to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, Rodriguez had no prior criminal record or known extremist ties. Investigators from both the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington are pursuing the case as a hate crime.
Lives stolen in cold blood after peace-building event
The AJC’s Young Diplomats Reception, which took place shortly before the shooting, was focused on peace, humanitarian aid, and interfaith cooperation. Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, said both victims had been enjoying the event just minutes before the attack.
“Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were stolen from us in cold blood,” Deutch said. “Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing, and connecting with colleagues and friends.”
Milgrim was remembered as a passionate advocate for sustainability and peacebuilding, while Lischinsky, a political staffer at the Israeli embassy, had told guests he was excited to return home for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot.
Museum attendees misidentified the suspect
After the shooting, Rodriguez walked into the museum and appeared distressed. Witnesses said guests initially thought he was in need of help. Yoni Kalin, who attended the event, said attendees even gave him water before realizing he was the shooter.
“When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and started shouting ‘Free Palestine,’” Kalin recounted. “This was a peace event. We were talking about helping innocent people in Gaza and Israel. Then he murders two people. It’s horrifying.”
Global reaction: Condemnation from Israel and the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the attack a direct consequence of rising global antisemitism and incitement against Israel. In a statement, he said, “We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel.”
U.S. President Donald Trump also condemned the killings, writing on social media: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
Following the incident, Israeli diplomatic missions around the world lowered flags to half-staff and implemented heightened security measures.
Museum warned of security threats prior to shooting
The Capital Jewish Museum, where the victims were shot, had recently received a security grant as part of a U.S. federal initiative. Museum Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz previously told NBC4 Washington that the institution was aware of possible threats due to its Jewish identity and a new LGBTQ exhibit.
“We want our space to be welcoming and secure for everyone who visits,” Gurwitz said. After the attack, the museum released a statement saying it was “deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence.”
Broader context: Gaza conflict and diplomatic risks
The attack took place as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, which began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to over 250 abductions. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has resulted in more than 53,000 deaths in Gaza, with the majority reported as women and children, according to local health officials.
Israeli diplomats have long faced targeted attacks tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decades-old struggle over territory, sovereignty, and statehood continues to claim lives well beyond the Middle East, as this Washington tragedy has painfully underscored.
This story was developed using verified reporting from the Associated Press. For real-time updates and global news, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News.
