Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed in an anti-Semitic shooting attack in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening around 9 PM. According to a spokesperson for the embassy, the diplomats were shot “at close range” while attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Israel’s Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism, Amichai Chikli, confirmed in a post on X that one of the victims of the attack was Yaron Lischinsky (28), who worked in the political department of the Israeli Embassy. The second victim was confirmed to be a young woman named Sarah Milgrim.
“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues,” the Embassy said in a statement. “They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”
The gunman, Elias Rodriguez (30), was arrested by police and can be seen in footage chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” as he was taken into custody.
Washington, DC, Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that the shooter “was observed pacing outside” the event, hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), before opening fire on a group of four individuals exiting the museum. Two victims were unconscious when police arrived on the scene and later succumbed to their wounds.
President Donald Trump emphasized the antisemitic nature of the attack, writing on Truth Social: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, called the shooting “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.”
“Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” he warned. “We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.”
The Jewish museum where the diplomats were murdered is located in close proximity to the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the US Attorney’s Office. AG Pam Bondi reportedly visited the scene where the shooting occurred, stating that she is “praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.”
ZAKA, a Jewish rescue and recovery organization, lamented the tragedy, writing: “Sadly, many countries still turn a blind eye to Israel’s just struggle and the challenges faced by the Jewish people. Today, just after the March of Support in New York, we were once again reminded of how vital it is to stand united against terror.”
Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter, speaking of the victims, stated that the two young diplomats were a couple who were planning to become engaged in Jerusalem the following week.
Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli responded to the horrific shooting by issuing an impactful warning, “‘Free Palestine’ is not a cry for liberty – it is a cry for murder. That was proven in blood today.”
“This slogan, parroted by activists, academics, and influencers, has become a banner not for peace but for hatred, violence, and the demonization of the Jewish state,” he continued. “Anyone who uses it now, in the wake of this attack, is not just echoing antisemitism – they are legitimizing the murder of Jews and Israelis. We must also hold to account the irresponsible leaders in the West who give backing to this hatred – whether through appeasement, double standards, or silence.”
Turning his attention to the recent condemnation of Israel by Western leaders, Chikli powerfully added: “French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have all, in different ways, emboldened the forces of terror through their failure to draw moral red lines. This cowardice has a price – and that price is paid in Jewish blood. We will continue to fight antisemitism everywhere – with clarity, courage, and zero tolerance.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced steps to bolster security at Israeli Embassies globally in response to Wednesday’s targeted killing, underscoring on X, “We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. The blood libels against Israel are rising in blood and must be fought to the bitter end.”
