By Neville Oduor
A devastating act of violence rocked the heart of the U.S. capital on the evening of May 21, 2025, when two Israeli embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The couple, who were reportedly set to get engaged the following week, had just left a Young Diplomats networking event hosted by the American Jewish Committee when the attack occurred around 9:08 PM local time.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended inside the museum shortly after the shooting.
Witnesses reported that Rodriguez shouted “Free Palestine” repeatedly as he was taken into custody, raising concerns about the motive behind the attack.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a possible hate crime or act of terrorism,” ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on bias-based crime,” with Assistant Director Steven J. Jensen stating that they are exploring.
“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. 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,” the Israeli Embassy in the USA released a heartfelt statement on X, mourning the loss of their colleagues.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, condemned the attack as a “horrifying antisemitic murder,” vowing to increase security at Israeli embassies worldwide.
U.S. authorities, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, visited the scene, promising justice for the victims.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social, a media app, denouncing the attack.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has reignited discussions on antisemitism and the safety of diplomatic staff in the United States, leaving a grieving community searching for answers.