Israeli Embassy Staff Killed in DC Shooting Outside Jewish Museum

 

On May 21, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members, 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Lynn Milgrim. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime and an act of terrorism.

According to court documents, Rodriguez allegedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the attack and told police he "did it for Palestine, did it for Gaza." He had flown into D.C. with a legally declared firearm and attended an event at the museum hosted by the American Jewish Committee shortly before the shooting.

In the aftermath, some social media users have claimed the incident was a "false flag" operation. However, fact-checking organizations have found no credible evidence supporting these claims. Authorities have not indicated any involvement beyond the suspect himself.

The attack has prompted increased security measures at Jewish institutions in the D.C. area. Community leaders and officials have condemned the violence and emphasized the need for unity and vigilance against hate-fueled acts.