WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what authorities are calling a targeted and antisemitic attack. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, an American from Kansas, were attending a young professionals event hosted by the American Jewish Committee when the shooting occurred around 9 p.m.

The suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was reportedly seen pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people and opening fire with a handgun, according to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith. Witnesses said Rodriguez later entered the museum and pretended to be a bystander, sitting quietly among guests before surrendering to police. As he was handcuffed, he reportedly shouted, “Free Palestine!” and “I did it for Gaza.”

Officials say Rodriguez had no prior criminal record and was not previously on the radar of law enforcement. His electronic devices have been seized as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and D.C. police. He is currently in custody and expected to make his initial court appearance Thursday in D.C., with the case expected to move to federal court.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino called the attack “an act of targeted violence,” while law enforcement officials are investigating it as a possible hate crime motivated by antisemitism.

The victims, according to Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, were a couple on the verge of engagement. “The young man purchased a ring this week to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Leiter told reporters. He described the pair as a “beautiful couple” who were in the prime of their lives. Over 30 embassy staffers from various nations had gathered at the event focused on humanitarian cooperation in conflict zones, including Gaza.

Sarah Milgrim began working at the Israeli Embassy in November 2023, shortly after earning advanced degrees in international studies and policy from American University in D.C. and the UN University for Peace in Costa Rica. Her father, Robert Milgrim, said she was passionate about diplomacy and had started her role just before the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

In response to the tragedy, leaders across the political spectrum expressed outrage and sorrow. “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, condemning the violence as a product of hatred and radicalism. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who visited the scene, vowed to “do everything in our power to keep all citizens safe, especially tonight our Jewish community.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “horrific, antisemitic” attack and ordered increased security at Israeli missions globally. President Isaac Herzog echoed the sentiment, labeling the shooting a “despicable act of hatred,” and pledged continued unity between the United States and Israel in the face of terrorism and antisemitism.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that both local police and the FBI are leading the investigation, and that there is currently “no ongoing threat to public safety.” She emphasized the city’s zero-tolerance stance toward hate crimes and antisemitism.