Israeli diplomats brutally killed in Washington D.C. before planned engagement

A couple who was about to get engaged fell victim to a terrorist with pro-Palestinian beliefs in a tragic incident outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C.

Yaron Lischinsky, an employee at the Israeli embassy, and his girlfriend Sarah Milgrim were the victims of this heinous attack that took place early on Thursday. President Donald Trump expressed his condemnation of the attack.

The perpetrator, identified as Elias Rodriguez, aged 30, shouted ‘Free Palestine’ multiple times as he was apprehended after carrying out the shooting.

Lischinsky was a German-Israeli dual national employed as a research assistant for Middle East & North African Affairs at the Embassy’s Political Department, according to his LinkedIn profile. 

The couple had attended a Young Diplomats event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

The Israel Heritage Foundation confirmed Lischinsky’s death overnight, writing on X: ‘The IHF sadly announces the tragic murder by a cold blooded terrorist of Yaron Lischinsky in DC. Our hearts ache for his loved ones. May his memory be a blessing.’

Israeli ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter revealed Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring earlier this week ‘with the intention of proposing next week in Jerusalem.’

The other victim in Wednesday night’s senseless attack was his soon-to-be fiancee.

Milgrim worked in the public diplomacy department at the embassy. She earned a master’s degree in international studies from American University. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that ‘wild incitement against the State of Israel’ was to blame for the horror attack and that it was the ‘terrible price of anti-Semitism.’

Netanyahu has also announced increased security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide in order to protect state representatives. 

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon described the shooting as a ‘depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.’

He said: ‘The shooting outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington – in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured – is a criminal act of anti-Semitic terrorism.’

‘Attacking diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line.’

The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum on Wednesday night when the terror unfolded, CEO Ted Deutch confirmed. 

Lischinsky, in his work, sought to ‘expand the circle of peace with our Arab neighbors and pursue regional cooperation.

He described this work as ‘in the best interest of the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole.’

His social media presence highlighted his loyalty to Israel and the Jewish cause, often posting messages in support of actions taken by the IDF. 

He had been pictured alongside Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who issued his own statement in the early hours of Thursday.

‘I am devastated by the scenes in Washington DC,’ he said. ‘This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy. 

‘Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured. I send my full support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff. 

‘We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US. America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.’

Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli also confirmed Lischinsky’s death on Thursday with a series of posts about the tragedy.

He thanked Trump and Noem for their swift and firm response to the shooting, instantly identifiing ‘this was an antisemitic hate crime that has no place in the United States.’

‘Their leadership is a vital part of the broader and ongoing effort to combat antisemitism – including the incitement and intimidation spreading across American college campuses.’

Responding directly to Rodriguez’ chants of ‘Free Palestine’, Chikli warned the phrase ‘is not a cry for liberty.

‘It is a cry for murder. That was proven in blood today. This slogan, parroted by activists, academics, and influencers, has become a banner not for peace but for hatred, violence, and the demonization of the Jewish state. 

‘Anyone who uses it now, in the wake of this attack, is not just echoing antisemitism – they are legitimizing the murder of Jews and Israelis.’

In stark contrast to his praise of American leaders, Chikli slammed French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, claiming they ‘have all, in different ways, emboldened the forces of terror through their failure to draw moral red lines. 

‘This cowardice has a price – and that price is paid in Jewish blood.’ 

Emotional photos show an onlooker draped in a Jewish flag as police cordoned off the area surrounding the shooting. 

President Trump had issued a statement late Wednesday night condemning ‘hatred and radicalism’ which led to the vicious attack. 

He said: ‘These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! 

‘Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!’

Trump has been trying to stamp out anti-Semitism within the United States since returning to the White House, cracking down on pro-Palestine protests at university campuses across the nation and vowing to deport non-Americans inciting violence against Jewish people.

Just two weeks ago, Lischinsky posed in front of both American and Israeli flags, and expressed his excitement over the collaboration of both nations.

‘We are deeply grateful for the historic alliance with our steadfast partner, the United States and the great American people, who have stood by our side,’ he wrote.

‘I look forward to working with this administration to bring about more security, freedom and peace.’

UN ambassador Danon said he was ‘confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.

‘Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.’

Wednesday’s sold-out event was touted as a night ‘bringing together Jewish young professionals (22-45) and the D.C. diplomatic community.’ 

The evening was ‘dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating Jewish heritage’, featuring ‘appetizers, cocktails, conversations, and a special guest speaker.’

It was scheduled to take place 6.30pm and 9pm, and the shooting occurred about 9.15pm.

‘We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,’ Deutch said. 

‘At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.’ 

Yoni Kalin told Fox that a security guard let the shooter into the building in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, fearing he was a victim.

‘He was clearly in trauma, he was in shock. Some of the people at the event sat him down, brought him water, asked if he was okay, and he was like ”call the cops”.’

Ten minutes later when authorities arrived, the man allegedly admitted to carrying out the shooting.

‘He grabbed a red kaffiyeh out of his pocket and started ‘Free Palestine’ chant, ‘there’s only one solution, Intifada revolution,’ Kalin said. ‘Thank God he left the gun in the bushes outside.’

Tal Naim Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy, said the duo was shot ‘at close range’ as they celebrated the evening. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she had arrived on the scene alongside DC attorney Jeanine Pirro. 

‘I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum,’ she wrote on X. ‘Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.’

Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the deaths as ‘senseless’ in a statement Wednesday night.

‘Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,’ she wrote. 

‘We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.’

Less than 24 hours ago, the Capital Jewish Museum was awarded a security grant amid ongoing concerns about the safety of guests and staff. 

‘Jewish institutions all around town, all around the country, are concerned about security due to some very scary incidents that some institutions have faced and because of a climate of antisemitism,’ Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said. 

‘So, we invest a lot of money in security to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the broad public, that this is a welcoming space, but that people are also safe in this space.’

The museum recently launched a new exhibit which they feared would amplify the risks of an attack – LGBT Jews in the Federal City – to coincide with World Pride.

‘We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,’ Gurwitz said. ‘And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.’