On May 22, 2025, in Washington, D.C., Elias Rodriguez, 31, was arrested for fatally shooting two staff members of the Israeli Embassy outside the Capital Jewish Museum, a tragic incident characterized by authorities as a targeted act of terrorism. Rodriguez reportedly shouted, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” upon his arrest, highlighting the political motivations behind his actions.
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were leaving an event at the museum when the shooting occurred. The couple was engaged in joyful preparations for their future, adding a profound emotional layer to the tragedy. Eyewitness accounts described Rodriguez behaving suspiciously before he approached the victims and opened fire, underscoring the chilling nature of the attack.
The incident prompted Israeli missions to enhance their security measures and lower their flags to half-staff, reflecting heightened global tensions related to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. As Israel intensifies its military operations against Hamas in Gaza, U.S. law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns that such an escalation could incite violence domestically.
Rodriguez faces significant charges, including murder of foreign officials, with the potential for additional charges as investigations into the shooting unfold as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism. Interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro condemned the violence directed at individuals based on their religion, asserting that antisemitism would not be tolerated in the nation's capital.
Details provided in an FBI affidavit reveal that Rodriguez arrived in the Washington area from Chicago with a handgun, which he had packed in his checked luggage. He purchased a ticket to the event just hours before the shooting, indicating premeditation. Surveillance footage showed him advancing towards the victims, firing additional shots even as they lay on the ground, which further emphasizes the calculated nature of the violence.
Eyewitness accounts further illustrate the chaos that ensued following the shooting. After committing the crime, Rodriguez reportedly entered the museum, proclaiming, “I did it,” and later expressed admiration for a military member who had previously committed self-immolation in protest outside the Israeli Embassy. Investigators continue to pursue corroborating evidence, including writings attributed to Rodriguez expressing outrage toward Israel's military actions.
Tributes poured in for the victims, portraying them as committed individuals dedicated to building bridges across cultural and religious divides. Ted Deutch, the CEO of the American Jewish Committee, expressed heartbreak over the loss of Milgrim and Lischinsky, recalling their vibrant personalities and commitment to peace.
Milgrim, originally from Overland Park, Kansas, was remembered for her compassion and genuine desire to promote sustainability and cultural understanding. Meanwhile, Lischinsky, who moved from Germany to Israel at the age of 16, was praised for his dedication to Israel and his alignment with Judeo-Christian values.
The incident continues to deepen the discourse around the intersection of political beliefs, hate crimes, and terrorism, posing challenging questions regarding tolerance and societal division amid escalating global tensions. The investigation remains active, with authorities dedicated to uncovering all circumstances surrounding this devastating event.
