Two Israeli diplomats were killed Wednesday evening in the heart of Washington, in front of the Capital Jewish Museum. The assailant was subdued by the museum's security team. An investigation is underway to determine the suspect’s motives.
Shortly after 9 PM, gunfire broke out in front of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington. The incident resulted in two victims: Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and his partner Sarah Lynn Milgrim, both employees of the Israeli Embassy in the United States.
The assailant was immediately restrained by the museum's security and handed over to the authorities. He was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago. At the time of his arrest, several witnesses reported that he shouted “Free, free Palestine” and waved a keffiyeh.
An Assailant with No Criminal Record but Strong Ideological Convictions
Elias Rodriguez was previously unknown to US law enforcement. However, according to multiple sources, he is affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), a far-left American group active in Chicago. The suspect reportedly took part in several pro-Palestinian demonstrations in recent months. The PSL has denied any involvement in the attack.
The FBI has launched a hate crime investigation, working in collaboration with local police and the Department of Homeland Security. A terrorist motive has not been ruled out at this time. Authorities are also examining the suspect's digital activity, recent movements and activist network.
For now, the FBI is leaning toward the theory of a politically motivated lone-wolf attack. Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed the shooting was carried out by a single suspect, who is currently in custody. Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he had ordered increased security measures around Israeli embassies and diplomatic staff worldwide.
Deadly attacks specifically targeting Israeli diplomats on US soil are extremely rare. Among the two most notable incidents is the July 1, 1973 assassination of Colonel Yosef Alon, a military attaché at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, who was shot outside his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Although the case was never solved, possible links were suggested with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). The second incident involved a US Air Force servicemember who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington on February 25, 2024, in protest of Israeli policy in Gaza. He later died of his injuries.
Israel Blames Europe, Diplomacies Respond
The shooting has triggered a wave of international condemnation. US President Donald Trump called the act “blatantly rooted in antisemitism.” The White House stated it would bring those responsible to justice, adding that “hatred and radicalism have no place in the United States.” “Make no mistake: we will find those responsible and bring them to justice,” wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X, implying that others beyond the shooter might be held accountable.
In Israel, President Isaac Herzog responded to the attack, saying, “I am devastated by the scenes in Washington, D.C. This is a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his call for increased protection of Israeli embassies worldwide. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar strongly criticized several European countries, stating during a Thursday press conference, “There is a direct link between antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement and this murder. This incitement also comes from leaders and officials of many countries and international organizations, particularly in Europe.”
European responses followed swiftly. In Paris, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot condemned the shooting as a “heinous act of barbarity” and expressed sympathy for “the victims’ loved ones, colleagues and the State of Israel.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also denounced the attack, calling it an “abominable act.” British Foreign Minister David Lammy expressed his horror, describing the shooting as a “horrific antisemitic crime.” He said his thoughts were with “the victims, their families and their colleagues at this terrible time.”
Young Couple
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, revealed to the press that “the couple who were gunned down in the name of a free Palestine were a young couple about to get engaged. The young man had bought a ring this week and planned to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.” The Israeli Embassy posted a photo of the smiling couple on X, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified them as Yaron Lisinsky, an Israeli citizen who also held a German passport according to Berlin, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, an American citizen of Jewish faith.
International Pressure and Internal Divisions
The investigation continues amid a renewed Israeli military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Israel is facing increasing international pressure over how it is conducting its offensive in Palestinian territory. In recent weeks, international criticism of Israel's conduct in the Gaza war has intensified. On Tuesday, an unusual joint statement by France, Canada and the United Kingdom condemned “unacceptable remarks” made by some members of Benjamin Netanyahu's government, as well as “outrageous actions” and the “unbearable level of suffering” inflicted on Gaza's civilians.
Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir accused domestic critics of Israel’s Gaza offensive of fueling antisemitism abroad. His comments appeared to be aimed at Yair Golan, a prominent leader of the Israeli left, who had recently criticized the government's Gaza policy.
On Thursday, Golan responded on X, asserting that it is in fact Netanyahu’s government that “fuels antisemitism and hatred toward Israel (…) endangering every Jew around the world.”
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