Two junior staffers of Israel’s embassy were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night by a man who witnesses say had a keffiyeh over his shoulders and shouted “Free Palestine.”Police identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgram, 26. .They were leaving a reception for young Jewish professionals hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) when they were shot at close range at approximately 9:10 pm EST.“They died on the scene,” Washington DC Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters. “While in custody he continued to chant, ‘Free, free Palestine … The suspect is 30 year old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.”.Smith said investigators have found no evidence of other suspects.The FBI later issued a brief statement saying there was “no ongoing threat to public safety.”“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media. “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!”Attorney General Pam Bondi, who joined DC US Attorney Jeannine Pirro at the scene, promised swift action. .“Rodriguez will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Bondi. “We’re doing everything we can to keep all citizens safe — tonight, especially our Jewish community. Our prayers go out.”Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter told reporters the victims were a couple about to become engaged. “The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of free Palestine is a couple that was about to be engaged,” said Leiter. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said agents are tracing Rodriguez’s movements and online activity. “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share,” tweeted Noem. “Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”.Danny Danon, Israel’s envoy to the United Nations, condemned the attack as “a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism” and expressed confidence US authorities will “take strong action.”AJC Chief Executive Ted Deutch said his group was “devastated” and pledged full co-operation with police..“American Jewish Committee (AJC) can confirm that we hosted an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. this evening,” said Deutch in a statement.“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue. At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”Witnesses told the media that the gunman entered the museum after the shooting, asked for water, then wrapped the keffiyeh around his neck, and requested a “safe space.”Police have not confirmed that account, but Chief Smith said detectives will review security video and interview more guests today.
