‘Free Palestine’ – Suspected Washington shooter arrested after Israeli embassy staff shooting

A tragic incident in Washington DC has sparked grief and outrage globally, after two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night. The Israeli embassy staff shooting, which left 31-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and his partner, 29-year-old Sarah Lynn Milgrim, dead, is being investigated as ‘a potential hate crime with antisemitic motives’. According to police, the suspected shooter, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, shouted “Free, Free Palestine” before and after the attack, raising fears about rising violence tied to global political tensions.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as gunshots rang out just after 9:00 PM. The victims were found unconscious and later pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the suspect, who appeared agitated outside the museum before opening fire, was apprehended after entering the museum and openly admitting to the attack. In custody, he reportedly continued to shout pro-Palestinian slogans, including calls for “intifada revolution.” The Israeli embassy staff shooting took place during a private event meant to foster dialogue and healing in the face of conflict in the Middle East.

Victims Identified as Beloved Israeli Couple in Israeli Embassy Staff Shooting Case

Lischinsky and Milgrim, both working with the Israeli diplomatic mission, were described as “popular, kind, and deeply committed” members of the Jewish community. Israeli officials confirmed that Yaron had planned to propose to Sarah during a trip to Jerusalem next week. “They were a beautiful couple with their whole future ahead of them,” said Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter. The embassy released a statement expressing profound grief and vowing support to the victims’ families, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act as a “horrifying antisemitic murder.”

The Israeli embassy staff shooting has reignited conversations around global antisemitism, especially amid heightened tensions since Israel’s military campaign in Gaza began in response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. While the FBI is assessing potential terror links, Washington’s Jewish community is reeling from the targeted nature of the attack, especially given the event’s humanitarian theme, “Turning Pain Into Purpose.”