A suspect has been charged after two Israeli embassy staffers, a couple who were about to become engaged, were gunned down Wednesday night outside of a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
Chicago man Elias Rodriguez, 30, chanted “free, free Palestine,” according to police, following his arrest over the shooting, which occurred at 9:15 p.m. local time after the couple left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum focused on helping Gazans.
The victims have been named as Yaron Lischinsky and his partner, Sarah Milgrim.
Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the venue before the attack and afterwards tried to get inside before being detained by security.
“Once in handcuffs, the suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered, and he implied that he committed the offence,” she said.
Police and FBI agents were seen surrounding and entering an apartment building in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood that is believed to be the home of the suspect.
President Donald Trump immediately condemned the shooting as antisemitism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked” by the “horrific, antisemitic” shooting.
Key Points
- Suspect charged with murder of foreign officials, other crimes
- Two Israeli embassy staffers gunned down in Washington, D.C.
- Police and FBI investigate suspect's Chicago home
- Elias Rodriguez: Who is the suspect in custody?
- Netanyahu lashes out at leaders of UK, France and Canada after D.C. shooting
Recap: Young couple working at Israeli embassy gunned down in Washington, D.C.
16:12
,
Rhian Lubin
If you’re just joining us, here’s the latest:
- Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead at 9.15 p.m. Wednesday outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The suspected gunman, who chanted “Free Palestine” as he was taken away by police, has been named as Elias Rodriguez and is in custody.
- The victims are Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, a young couple who were about to become engaged on an upcoming trip to Israel. Milgrim grew up in Kansas, while Lischinsky is originally from Germany.
- Both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have denounced the killings as antisemitism and expressed their condolences to the victim’s loved ones.
- Elias Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, the murder of foreign officials, causing death using a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Full story: Suspect charged with murder for ‘killing two Israeli Embassy staff members
22:23
,
Oliver O'Connell
The man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of Israeli Embassy at a Jewish event in Washington D.C. has been charged with the murder of foreign officials.
Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, told officers from the Metropolitan Police Department at the scene: “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza, I am unarmed,” according to an arrest affidavit seen by The Independent.
Mike Bedigan reports.
Rodriguez arrived in D.C. having flown with firearm in baggage
22:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
Rodriguez flew from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Reagan National in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, according to United Airlines records cited in the affidavit.
He declared his firearm in his checked baggage and flew with it across state lines.
Rodriguez could face death penalty, waives right to detention hearing
22:04
,
Oliver O'Connell
At his arraignment, Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh informs Elias Rodriguez that he could face the death penalty if convicted of one of the counts against him — Causing the Death of a Person Through the Use of a Firearm.
Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing, so he will be detained without bond while he awaits trial.
Rodriguez will be back for a preliminary hearing on June 18.
Rodriguez has WAIVED his right to a detention hearing, so he will be detained without bond while he awaits trial.
— Jordan Fischer (@JordanOnRecord) May 22, 2025
Surveillance footage captured moment of shooting
22:03
,
Erin Keller
Surveillance footage near the museum shows a man matching Elias Rodriguez's description approaching two victims, according to court documents.
After passing them, he turned around, pulled a gun from his waistband, and shot them multiple times. After they fell, he moved closer, shot again, and followed one victim as she tried to crawl away, firing more shots.
He then appeared to reload and shot her again after she sat up. The video ends with Rodriguez jogging away.
Watch LIVE: Mayor issues update on Israeli embassy staff shooting in Washington DC
21:57
,
Oliver O'Connell
Details on suspect's upcoming court appearance
21:56
,
Erin Keller
The initial appearance for Elias Rodriguez has been called. It's being prosecuted by AUSA Jeffrey Nestler, a veteran member of the prosecutor's office who handled a number of high-profile Jan. 6 cases, including the Oath Keepers seditious conspiracy case. https://t.co/4HQUjvs2CX
— Jordan Fischer (@JordanOnRecord) May 22, 2025
Officials search suspected shooter's Chicago apartment
21:45
,
Erin Keller
Suspect charged with murder of foreign officials, other crimes
21:38
,
Erin Keller
Elias Rodriguez was formally charged Thursday in Washington, D.C., ahead of his first court appearance at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse.
He faces two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, along with additional charges, including the murder of foreign officials, causing death using a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Victim experienced antisemitism before shooting: father
21:29
,
Erin Keller
Robert Milgrim, whose daughter Sarah was shot Tuesday, told NBC News that the soon-to-be engaged woman had experienced antisemitism before, but was "very strong in dealing with it.”
"She accepted it, understood it, and tried to be a good example so that maybe there’d be less antisemitism," he said. "But it didn’t turn out very well for her."
Crowd gathers at museum to honor victims
21:13
,
Erin Keller
Museum was awarded funding last week to increase security
21:05
,
Erin Keller
The Capital Jewish Museum received a $500,000 Washington funding grant last week to boost security, amid concerns over being a Jewish organization and hosting a new LGBTQ+ exhibit.
"We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well," executive director Beatrice Gurwitz previously told NBC4 Washington.
"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."
Netanyahu calls suspect in shooting a 'terrorist'
20:48
,
Erin Keller
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 22, 2025
“Last night in Washington something horrific happened.
A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple – Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim.
»https://t.co/R87pmEBeil pic.twitter.com/mWBX3IcT2g
Suspect looked 'very scared' after shooting: witness
20:45
,
Erin Keller
Witness Katie Kalisher, 29, spoke with Reuters and said she was among people in the museum who were chatting to a man who entered looking very scared after gunshots were heard outside, when he suddenly pulled out a keffiyeh scarf.
"He says, 'I did it. I did it for Gaza, free, free Palestine.' And he's chanting this. And then suddenly the police come in and they arrest him," said Kalisher, a jewelry designer.
Shooting suspect's neighbor: 'I would've talked him out of it'
20:33
,
Erin Keller
Rodriguez's 71-year-old neighbor, John Wayne Fry, told NBC News that he rarely interacted with the suspected shooter who killed two Israeli Embassy officials in Washington, D.C., last night.
“He seemed like a normal, friendly guy," Fry said.
The Chicagoan also expressed regrets about never discussing Palestine or Israel with Rodriguez.
"I wish that I had an opportunity to talk with him because if I had, I would've talked him out of it.”
Shooting suspect posted online manifesto: report
20:05
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Rachel Dobkin
A manifesto was posted on social media last night from an account that belonged to the suspected shooter of the two Israeli embassy staffers who were killed in Washington, D.C., the New York Times reports.
In the writings, the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, condemned what he called atrocities committed by the Israel Defense Forces against Palestinians and denounced both the Israeli and U.S. governments.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said that the agency is aware of “certain writings” that may have been authored by the suspect, adding, “we hope to have updates as to the authenticity very soon.”
Bongino's statement appeared to refer to a manifesto signed with Rodriguez's name that was posted to an anonymous X account on Wednesday night shortly before the shooting.
Posted with the title “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home,” it condemned Israel's killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, and discussed the morality of “armed” action.
With reporting from Reuters
What we know about the fatal shooting
19:55
,
Oliver O'Connell
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. have been fatally shot while leaving an event at a Jewish museum.
The suspect yelled “Free, free Palestine” when he was arrested following the deadly attack, that took place at around 9 p. m. Wednesday police said.
The attack is being seen by officials in Israel and the U.S. as the latest in a growing wave of antisemitism after Israel ramped up its offensive in the Gaza Strip. President Donald Trump has condemned the “horrible” D.C. killings and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
Here’s what we know so far:
NYC and Miami among cities that increase security around Jewish facilities in wake of DC shooting
19:35
,
Oliver O'Connell
Law enforcement agencies across the U.S. have increased their security levels after two people were killed outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday evening.
Michelle Del Rey reports.
Watch: White House press secretary reads reaction of victim's father
19:18
,
Oliver O'Connell
Press Secretary @karolineleavitt reads a quote from our interview with the father of Yaron Lischinsky.
— Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) May 22, 2025
"They were in love. One for the other. The embassy told us they were like a star couple at the embassy. I never expected something like this. He had his whole life before him." pic.twitter.com/WtYHOMLloG
Suspect expected to appear in court today
19:15
,
Oliver O'Connell
NBC News reports that Elias Rodriguez is expected to appear in court today in Washington, D.C.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, the network says he will appear before federal Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh for an initial appearance.
Netanyahu lashes out at leaders of UK, France and Canada after D.C. shooting
19:06
,
Oliver O'Connell
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lashed out at the leaders of the UK, France, and Canada following last night’s shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
The prime minister said that pushing for a Palestinian state in the wake of Israel’s war on Gaza, as proposed by those countries, would side with Hamas and reward them with “the ultimate prize.”
His remarks echo those of Amichai Chikli, Israel’s minister for the diaspora and combating antisemitism, who accused UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of “emboldening the forces of terror” that led to the fatal shooting.
Netanyahu posted an eight-minute video to social media on Thursday.
Watch here:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 22, 2025
“Last night in Washington something horrific happened.
A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple – Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim.
»https://t.co/R87pmEBeil pic.twitter.com/mWBX3IcT2g
Watch LIVE: Mayor issues update on Israeli embassy staff shooting in Washington DC
19:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Shooting is latest of suspected or confirmed antisemitic attacks this year
18:45
,
Rachel Dobkin
There has been a string of attacks with suspected or confirmed links to antisemitism this year, including the following:
- January 21: A man with permanent residency in the U.S. stabbed four people in a Tel Aviv restaurant, officials said.
- February 14: Luis Ramirez, 23, threatened to kill Jewish people at a Manhattan synagogue, according to officials.
- February 22: A 19-year-old Syrian man stabbed a 30-year-old Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust memorial, police said.
- April 13: Part of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s mansion was set on fire hours after he and his family celebrated the Jewish holiday of Passover, officials said.
Trump speaks with Netanyahu to discuss Israeli embassy shooting
18:28
,
Rachel Dobkin
President Donald Trump has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the fatal shooting of the two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., last night.
Trump expressed sorrow over the shooting and support for Israel in its war with Hamas.
The president talked about securing the remaining hostages in Gaza, bringing the elimination of Hamas and the need to ensure that Iran, a supporter of the Palestinian militant group, does not obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump 'saddened and outraged' by 'brutal murder' of Israeli embassy staffers
18:16
,
Oliver O'Connell
The Evil of anti-semitism must be eradicated from our society. I spoke to the Attorney General this morning, and the Department of Justice will be prosecuting the perpetrator responsible for this to the fullest extent of the law. Hatred has no place in the United States of America under President Donald Trump.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
Watch LIVE: White House holds briefing
18:14
,
Oliver O'Connell
Progressive congresswoman Ilhan Omar shares her condolences for Israeli embassy shooting victims
18:10
,
Rachel Dobkin
Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat, has paid tribute to the two Israeli embassy workers who were fatally shot in Washington, D.C., last night.
Omar, a progressive who has shown support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war, wrote on X: “I am appalled by the deadly shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
“Holding the victims, their families, and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers. Violence should have no place in our country.”
I am appalled by the deadly shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 22, 2025
Holding the victims, their families, and loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.
Violence should have no place in our country.
FBI deputy director gives update on Israeli embassy shooting
17:55
,
Rachel Dobkin
The FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has revealed several updates on the deadly shooting of the two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
Bongino said that the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, was questioned by authorities early Thursday morning.
I have a few updates on last night’s shooting that I want to share with you all, in the interest of transparency. Out of respect for the investigation and the charges being aggressively pursued, we are limited in what we can immediately say, but we want to share as much…
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) May 22, 2025
The FBI official said the agency was aware of “certain writings” that may have been authored by Rodriguez.
“We hope to have updates as to the authenticity very soon,” he said.
Bongino clarified that there is no ongoing threat to the public; however, he said, “I want the public to be assured we are following up on any additional leads to ensure we do our complete and total due diligence on this.”
Law enforcement search Chicago home linked to suspect
17:43
,
Oliver O'Connell
Police and FBI agents have been searching an address in Chicago this morning that public records list as the home of suspected shooter Elias Rodriguez.
Suspected DC shooter's employer speaks out
17:36
,
Rachel Dobkin
The employer of the suspect in the fatal shooting of the two Israeli embassy officials in Washington, D.C., has shared its condolences and called it a “horrific crime.”
The American Osteopathic Information Association said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn that one of its employees, Elias Rodriguez, 30, was arrested in the shooting.
AOA and AOIA issue statement on Israeli embassy staff shootinghttps://t.co/tNjtlM8b7q pic.twitter.com/L3DRb3EH54
— AOA (@AOAforDOs) May 22, 2025
“As a physician organization dedicated to protecting the health and sanctity of human life, we believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence,” the association said.
It continued: “We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims' loved ones, wishing them peace, comfort and strength during this unimaginably difficult time.”
The suspect’s employer said that it will cooperate with law enforcement.
Everything we know about couple gunned down in Washington, D.C.
17:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were in the “prime of their lives” when they were gunned down outside Washington, D.C.’s Capital Jewish Museum.
The young couple, who worked at the Israeli embassy in the capital, were leaving an event Wednesday night hosted by the American Jewish Committee when they were confronted by a gunman, who fired at “close range.”
Rhian Lubin reports on what we know about the couple.
UAE condemns fatal shooting of Israeli Embassy staffers in D.C.
16:50
,
Oliver O'Connell
The United Arab Emirates has condemned the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims and with the Israeli people over the attack.
The UAE agreed to normalize relations with Israel in a U.S.-brokered deal in 2020, the first of the so-called Abraham Accords that Israel eventually concluded with four Arab nations.
Who is Elias Rodriguez?
16:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
A political activist from Chicago is accused of killing two Israeli embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
Elias Rodriguez, 30, was detained by event security inside the museum after allegedly using a handgun to open fire on a group of four people who were leaving an event, according to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department.
Here’s what we know about Rodriguez so far:
Israeli embassy spokesperson pays tribute to couple
15:55
,
Oliver O'Connell
Tal Naim, spokesperson of the Israeli embassy in Washington, has paid tribute to her colleagues who were killed in last night’s shooting.
She wrote on X: “Yaron and Sarah, Words cannot begin to describe the heartbreak and sorrow. Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner — and now, all that remains is a picture.”
“Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves. What an unbearable loss ”
Yaron and Sarah,
— Tal Naim (@TalNaim_) May 22, 2025
Words cannot begin to describe the heartbreak and sorrow. Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner — and now, all that remains is a picture.
Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves.
What an… pic.twitter.com/MNmsb6Y40R
Bondi: Trump 'horrified' by shooting of embassy staffers
15:54
,
Oliver O'Connell
Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Channel’s America’s Newsroom that President Donald Trump is “horrified” by the deaths of the two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. last night.
Bondi: "Our job now is to be sure justice is served. And it will be served, under Donald Trump." pic.twitter.com/9E8wD41fBg
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 22, 2025
Speaking live on the network, Bondi confirmed that U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro will be prosecuting the case, and whether to seek the death penalty will be decided at a later date after consideration of the facts of the case and in accordance with the law.
Bondi: "I signed a death warrant yesterday on a case. So we are seeking the death penalty again. That was Donald Trump's directive from day one." pic.twitter.com/nf7D1W4vCk
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 22, 2025
Police and FBI investigate suspect's Chicago home
15:40
,
Oliver O'Connell
Police and FBI agents were seen surrounding and entering an apartment building in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood that is believed to be the home of the 30-year-old suspect in the shooting of the two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
NBC 5 reporter Sandra Torres posted the following video of armed officers approaching the property, which is connected to Elias Rodriguez:
Happening now in Chicago: several FBI officers armed with large weapons just entered an apartment building in the East Albany Park neighborhood. The address is tied to DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez. @nbcchicago pic.twitter.com/8suHj7J0Rs
— Sandra Torres (@SandraTorresNBC) May 22, 2025
The New York Times reports that about a dozen law enforcement vehicles were on the street outside the building this morning, with agents blocking the sidewalk and others seen going in and out of the property. FBI agents in tactical gear and bomb technicians were also present.
Per the Times:
In the window of the unit that appeared to be Mr. Rodriguez’s were two signs related to Palestine, including one that read “Justice for Wadea,” a reference to the 6-year-old Palestinian American boy killed in Chicago two years ago. Another sign read “Tikkun Olam means free Palestine.” (Tikkun Olam is a Hebrew phrase that means “repairing the world.”)
UK PM ‘emboldened forces of terror’ that led to Israeli embassy shooting, Israeli minister says
15:30
,
Oliver O'Connell
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been accused by an Israeli minister of “emboldening the forces of terror” that led to the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
A gunman shot a young diplomat couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, from close range after they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, police said on Wednesday night. The suspect then walked into the building chanting ‘Free Palestine’ before he was apprehended by security and arrested.
Israeli ministers have directed blame towards western political leaders, suggesting their recent condemnation of Israel’s aid blockade and resumed offensive in Gaza was partly to blame.
Alex Croft reports.
Netanyahu has spoken with parents of slain embassy staffers
15:22
,
Oliver O'Connell
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with the parents of the slain embassy staffers.
Netanyahu “told the families that he shares in their deep sorrow, together with the entire Jewish People,” his office said in a statement.
The prime minister also spoke with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, his office said.
Vance says 'antisemitic violence has no place in US'
15:16
,
Oliver O'Connell
Vice President JD Vance has shared his condolences for the families and friends of the two Israeli embassy staffers killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
Vance wrote on X: “My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States.
“We're praying for their families and all of our friends at the Israeli Embassy, where the two victims worked.”
My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 22, 2025
We're praying for their families and all of our friends at the Israeli Embassy, where the two victims… pic.twitter.com/IojnTD7JHN
US envoy to Israel calls DC embassy staffer killings ‘act of terror’
15:10
,
Oliver O'Connell
Speaking on Fox & Friends this morning, U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee commented on last night’s shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers: “It is just a horrific tragedy, an act of terror, and another way in which we have to recognize Jewish people all over the world are being singled out for these kind of horrible attacks.”
Huckabee went on to push back against critics of Israel’s execution of the war in Gaza, blaming Hamas for the war dragging on.
“We’ve got a lot of ignorant, idiotic people who don’t seem to understand the difference between right and wrong,” Huckabee said. “It shouldn’t be that complicated.”
Israel’s opposition leader blames Netanyahu for D.C. attack
14:55
,
Joe Sommerlad
“I share the grief of the families of those murdered in the attack in Washington and support all employees of the State of Israel's Foreign Service,” writes Yair Golan on X.
“It is Netanyahu's Kahane Hai government that is fueling anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel, and the result is unprecedented political isolation and danger to every Jew in every corner of the globe.
“We will replace them and restore security to every Jew – in Israel and everywhere in the world.”
אני משתתף בצער משפחות הנרצחים בפיגוע בוושינגטון ומחזק את כל עובדי שירות החוץ של מדינת ישראל.
— Yair Golan - יאיר גולן (@YairGolan1) May 22, 2025
ממשלת כהנא חי של נתניהו היא שנותנת דלק לאנטישמיות ולשנאת ישראל והתוצאה - בידוד מדיני חסר תקדים וסכנה לכל יהודי בכל נקודה על פני הגלובוס.
אנחנו נחליף אותם ונשיב את הביטחון לכל יהודי -…
Recap: Everything we know about last night’s D.C. shooting
14:30
,
Joe Sommerlad
Here’s more on the tragic killing of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim from Summer Woolley and James Liddell.
