Israeli Prime Minister condemns “terror” shootings by 2 embassy staff in the United States – National
Police said two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot dead while leaving the event at the Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, and the suspect was arrested and shouted “Free, Free Palestine”.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky is a research assistant, and Milgrim organizes visits and missions to Israel.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a press conference that when the suspects approached a group of people and opened fire, they would leave the event at the capital Jewish Museum.
Smith said the suspect was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, who was paced outside the museum before the shooting, entered the museum after the shooting and was safely detained by the event.
Smith said when he was detained, the suspect began to chant: “Free, free Palestine.” Law enforcement does not see an ongoing threat to the community, she said.
The astonishing attacks prompted Israeli missions to strengthen their security. Israel's clash with Hamas has intensified tensions throughout the Middle East and internationally, and Israel launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip.
“These terrible DC killings are clearly based on anti-Semitism and must end now!” President Donald Trump posted on social media earlier Thursday. “Hate and activism have no place in the United States.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday he was “shocked” by the “terrible, anti-Semitism” shooting.
“We have witnessed anti-Semitism and the horrible price of wild incitement to Israel,” he said in a statement.
Israeli ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said the two were a young couple about to get engaged, saying the man bought a ring this week with an intention to propose in Jerusalem next week.
Mike Herzog, a former Israeli in the United States, told Israeli Army Radio that the murdered woman was a U.S. employee of the embassy and the man was an Israeli.
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Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was on the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who served as U.S. attorney in Washington, whose position would prosecute the case.
Netanyahu's office statement said he spoke with Bundy, who told him that Trump was “involved in the management of the incident” and that the United States would bring the perpetrators to justice.
It is not clear whether Rodriguez has a lawyer who can comment on his behalf. The phone numbers listed in the public record are not resolved.
“The early indicator is that this is targeted for sexual violence,” Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a social media post.
Israeli campaign in Gaza
The influential Pan-Arab satellite channel Al Al Jazeera aired in the loop, appearing to be a cell phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a blazer and casual pants, was pulled apart after the shooting, his hands being pulled apart behind his back.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas who came out of Gaza on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave.
Since then, Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose numbers do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The battle displaced 90% of the region’s approximately 2 million people, triggering a hunger crisis and eliminating the widespread danger of Gaza’s urban landscape.
The violence occurred at the American Jewish Council's reception for young diplomats held in the museum.
“This is a shocking act of violence and our communities are closer to each other tonight,” Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Council, said in a statement earlier Thursday. “In this painful time, we mourn with the families of the victims, loved ones and Israel as a whole. May their memories be blessings.”
They said that when Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher heard the gunshots, they were inside the museum and a man looked painful. Carlin said people came to help him, brought him water, thought he needed help without realizing he was the suspect. When the police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly shouted “Free Palestine,” Kalin said.
“This incident is about humanitarian aid,” Kalin said. “How do we really help people in Gaza and people in Israel? How do we unite Muslims, Jews and Christians, work together, and really help innocent people? Then, he just murdered two people in cold blood.”
Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum, one of the local nonprofits in Washington, granted funds from a $500,000 grant program to improve its security. According to NBC4 Washington, the museum's leaders are worried because it is a Jewish organization and because of its new LGBTQ exhibition.
“We recognize that there are threats, too,” Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the station. “Again, we want to make sure our space is enthusiastic and safe for everyone who comes here as we explore these stories.”
In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they were “very sad and fearful of the meaningless violence outside the museum tonight.”
Gil Preuss, CEO of Greater Washington, said in a statement that he was shocked by the shooting and mourned the death of two people.
“Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all those who have suffered from such tragic acts of anti-Semitic violence,” he said.
Israeli-backed attackers and Palestinian militants have targeted violence for the past few decades. However, the peace process between the two sides has been stagnant for years.
– Related news writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Hallie Golden and Jon Gambrell contributed.
