Israeli embassy staff shot outside US Jewish museum

Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead outside a Jewish Museum in Washington on the night of May 21st, and authorities later took the suspected attacker into custody, The Guardian via Reuters reported.

Authorities identified the gunman as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago. He approached four people leaving an event and shot at them, killing Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who officials confirmed were a couple. AP reported on May 23rd that Rodriguez told police after his arrest, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” according to federal authorities, who announced charges.

Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police, said the shooter had been walking up and down outside the museum before the attack. After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where security detained him. Officers reported that he shouted: “Free, free Palestine,” during his arrest. Moreover, police confirmed he was not on any security watchlists and had not triggered any previous threats. Authorities recovered the firearm at the scene.

Authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime. according to the BBC on May 23rd. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced at a news conference. “This is a death penalty-eligible case,” she stated, adding that it remains too early to determine whether prosecutors will pursue the death sentence.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) organised the event. A group that aims to foster dialogue among diplomatic staff from the Middle East and North Africa. AJC described the reception as a platform for “bridge building”.

Furthermore, Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter revealed that Lischinsky had bought a ring intending to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem. Lischinsky, 30, worked in the embassy’s political department and held advanced degrees in diplomacy and international relations. Milgrim, 26, a Jewish American, coordinated missions to Israel and volunteered with Tech2Peace, an organisation promoting cooperation between young Palestinians and Israelis.

US President Donald Trump denounced the attack on Truth Social: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!”

Witness Yoni Kalin, who was inside the museum at the time, described how people mistook the suspect for someone in distress. “This event was about humanitarian aid… and then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.”

AJC CEO Ted Deutch described the tragedy as the realisation of “our worst fears”. He said the event had focused on “humanitarian diplomacy” and “interfaith” cooperation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said European governments have strengthened Hamas. He said the attack was the result of antisemitic incitement. Rights advocates continue to highlight increasing antisemitic and anti-Arab hate crimes across the US.

The Guardian via Reuters, BBC, AP News