2 Israeli Embassy Staff Members Fatally Gunned Down Outside Jewish Museum

Thursday, May 22, 2025, 8:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges & Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- Last night, two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally gunned down outside the Capital Jewish Museum in an apparent anti-semitic hate crime. The young couple, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgram, were attending an event organized by the American Jewish Committee to discuss humanitarian aid to war-torn areas, such as Gaza. The two had planned on getting engaged next week in Jerusalem.

     D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed that on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, just shortly around 9:00 p.m., the suspect, identified as Elias Rodriquez, 30, of Chicago, Illinois, approached a group of four people and opened fire with a handgun, killing Mr. Lischinsky and Ms. Milgram on the sidewalk just outside the Museum.

Rodriguez Surrendered To Authorities

     Following the shooting, Rodriguez went inside the museum and surrendered to museum security personnel until the Police arrived on the scene. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez, after entering back inside the museum, said that he did it for “Palestine.”

     When Police Officers arrived on the scene, Rodriguez confessed to committing the killings and again told Police Officers, “I did this, T did this for Palestine.” Once Police Officers took Rodriguez into custody, he began chanting, “Free, Free Palestine.”

     Police believe that Rodriguez was a lone gunman in the anti-semitic attack and, at this time, there is no threat to the public.  

     The investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and FBI Agents continue interviewing Rodriguez. Authorities have not reported what charges will be filed against Rodriguez.

     “This is a developing story for information may become available when it can be confirmed by Authorities.”