On the evening of May 21, 2025, two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., following an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were a young couple planning to become engaged.
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old resident of Chicago, was apprehended at the scene and reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while in custody. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of antisemitic violence.
President Donald Trump condemned the attack, describing it as rooted in antisemitism and calling for an end to such hatred and radicalism. Israeli officials, including Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, confirmed the victims’ identities and their relationship, noting that Lischinsky had recently purchased an engagement ring.
The shooting has prompted increased security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide and has been widely condemned by international leaders.
