Israeli Embassy Employee Fatally Shot in US, Suspect Apprehended

Two employees of the Israeli embassy were killed in a targeted shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on the night of May 21, 2025. Authorities identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli national, and Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American. The couple had just exited a diplomatic gathering when they were gunned down near the museum’s entrance.

The assailant, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was quickly taken into custody after the incident. Police say Rodriguez approached a small group outside the museum at approximately 9:05 PM local time and opened fire, killing Lischinsky and Milgrim on the spot. Witnesses described hearing the gunman shout “Free, free Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza” before he was subdued by museum security personnel upon entering the building.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, Rodriguez had no prior criminal history and had not been on law enforcement’s radar. Surveillance footage showed him pacing outside the museum shortly before the shooting. The incident is being treated as a hate crime, and federal agencies have joined the investigation.

Lischinsky and Milgrim were attending a “Young Diplomats Reception” organized by the American Jewish Committee, held in collaboration with the museum. Friends and colleagues revealed the couple had been in a serious relationship and that Lischinsky had planned to propose during an upcoming visit to Jerusalem.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, expressed sorrow over the tragedy at a press conference. “These were two bright, dedicated young people with their lives ahead of them,” he said. “The ring was already bought. They were planning their future.”

The attack occurred in a high-security area of downtown Washington, surrounded by federal buildings, museums, and tourist sites. The FBI’s Washington Field Office is located nearby, and the area was quickly locked down following the shooting. Georgetown University, located several blocks away, was placed under temporary lockdown out of caution.

U.S. political leaders reacted strongly to the killings. Former President Donald Trump called the act “obviously antisemitic” and demanded an end to extremist violence in a post on his Truth Social platform. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the sentiment, vowing that justice would be served.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered heightened security measures at Israeli diplomatic facilities across the globe. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers Israelis and Jewish people face around the world due to growing antisemitism and incitement,” Netanyahu said.

The Capital Jewish Museum, which hosted the event, had recently implemented enhanced security protocols. Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said those changes were partially prompted by rising antisemitic threats and the opening of a new exhibition on LGBTQ history, which officials feared could provoke backlash. “We strive to be a place of inclusion, but safety is always our top priority,” Gurwitz told reporters.

The museum, like many Jewish institutions in the U.S., has been grappling with increased security concerns amid a documented rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide. Community members described the atmosphere after the attack as one of shock and deep grief, but also of determination to continue engaging in open dialogue and advocacy.

JoJo Kalin, a board member of the American Jewish Committee who helped organize the evening’s event, said the violence would not silence efforts toward peace. “We had been discussing coexistence and mutual respect. To have it end in such tragedy—it’s beyond heartbreaking. But it only deepens our resolve.”

Authorities continue to investigate Rodriguez’s motives and potential affiliations, but early indications suggest he acted alone. In the meantime, both American and Israeli officials have pledged to strengthen protections around Jewish and diplomatic institutions and support those affected by the attack.