A man is in custody 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.
Police say the suspect, identified as Chicago man Elias Rodriguez, 30, chanted “free, free Palestine” following his arrest over the shooting, which occurred at 9:15 p.m. local time after they 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, who was not previously known to police, 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
- Two Israeli embassy staffers gunned down in Washington, D.C.
- Elias Rodriguez: Who is the suspect in custody?
- Victims named and pictured for the first time
- Mapped: Shooting happened near Capital Jewish Museum
- Police and FBI investigate suspect's Chicago home
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.
- Milgrim’s mother has told reporters she planned to visit her daughter in D.C. before learning of last night’s tragedy. She learned her daughter was at the location of the shooting when she checked the family’s locator app.
Trump 'saddened and outraged' by 'brutal murder' of Israeli embassy staffers
18:16
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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
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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
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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.
Bondi: Trump 'horrified' by shooting of embassy staffers
16:18
,
Oliver O'Connell
Attorney General Pam Bondi has told Fox News 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 on Fox News, 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
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
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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
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
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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.
‘Last night our our worst fears came true’
14:10
,
Joe Sommerlad
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the organization hosting the “Young Diplomats Reception” event at the Israeli embassy last night, appeared on CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish.
“Last night our worst fears came true,’ he said of the DC shooting, explaining that the event the couple had attended is one “we all look forward to every year that brings together AJC’s young leaders, the American Jewish Committee’s young leaders. This year the focus was on humanitarian diplomacy.
“And all of the good feeling was shattered immediately when these two beautiful, young souls were taken by this murderer.”
He continued: “This is a horrific reminder to the Jewish community and the world that antisemitism often most times is not violent until it becomes violent. And when it does, it can become deadly. And that’s what we have to stop.”
Deutch said he was “very familiar with both of the victims” and said of them: “Yaron is an Israeli Jew. Sarah is an American Jew. Sarah was deeply involved with AJC. She’s traveled with AJC. She cared deeply for our work in the diplomatic space. And she and Yaron had a beautiful relationship.
“It’s a tragedy of the worst magnitude that these beautiful young people were taken from us. And it happened at a time when the Jewish community in the United States and around the world was feeling… very much as if the threats were rising, understanding that what starts as words can turn into violent action. And that’s what was on full, horrific display last night.”
On the question of security going forward, he said: “Sadly, because of the situation that the Jewish community faces, virtually every synagogue in America will have some kind of significant security, whether it’s a metal detector or police out in front.”
Deutch added that “everyone has a role to play” in combating antisemitism.
He and his organization put out the following messages last night:
Our hearts are broken.
— Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee (@AJCCEO) May 22, 2025
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky — two young Israeli embassy staffers and cherished members of the AJC community — were murdered while leaving an AJC event in Washington, D.C., last night.
They were stolen from us. They had their entire lives ahead… pic.twitter.com/pG6v7Qg3Pu
Read the full statement from @AJCCEO Ted Deutch on tonight's shocking violence that killed two Israeli Embassy staff members outside an AJC event in Washington D.C.https://t.co/UOBaNnSk2H pic.twitter.com/1xYk3DLUsa
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) May 22, 2025
Sarah Milgrim’s parents reveal moment they learned of daughter’s death: ‘I pretty much already knew, I was hoping to be wrong'
13:50
,
Joe Sommerlad
Nancy Milgrim, the deceased’s mother, has told The New York Times that she was planning to travel from Prairie Village, Kansas, to Washington to dog-sit for her daughter ahead of her planned trip to Israel to meet Yaron Lischinsky’s parents when she heard last night’s news.
She says she opened a family locator app on her cellphone and looked for her daughter’s location, which showed her to be at the Capital Jewish Museum, where the shooting had taken place.
“I pretty much already knew,” her husband Robert Milgrim said. “I was hoping to be wrong.”
They said they were subsequently informed of her death by Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter.
“What went through my mind is, I feel the antisemitism that has surfaced since October 7 and also since the election of President Trump,” Robert Milgrim said. “It’s just an extension of my worst fears.”
“The ironic part is that we were worried for our daughter’s safety in Israel,” he added. “But she was murdered three days before going.”
Paying tribute to Lischinsky, he said: “He was incredible. He was very much like Sarah: passionate, extremely intelligent, dedicated to what he does, always on the cause of what’s right.
“He was an idealist,” he said. “He wanted to build bridges between Israel and other countries, especially in Asia.”
Recap: Two Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in Washington, D.C.
13:34
,
Joe Sommerlad
If you’re just joining us, here’s the latest:
- A suspect has been arrested after two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead at 9.15pm on Wednesday night outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The victims have since been named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged.
- The gunman, who chanted “Free Palestine” as he was taken away by police, has been named as Elias Rodriguez.
- Both U.S. 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.
- Milgrim’s mother has told reporters she planned to visit her daughter in D.C. before learning of last night’s tragedy.
Here’s Mike Bedigan and James Liddell’s full report.
Socialist party denies Israeli embassy shooting suspect is a member
13:20
,
Joe Sommerlad
Elias Rodriguez had a “brief association” with the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), which advocated on behalf of Palestinians, the group confirmed in a post on social media this morning.
But it added that he was not a member and that his activism with them ended in 2017: “We reject any attempt to associate the PSL with the DC shooting. Elias Rodriguez is not a member of the PSL... We have nothing to do with this shooting and do not support it.”
Here’s more from James Liddell.
Yaron Lischinsky remembered as ‘finest friend I’ve ever had’
13:00
,
Joe Sommerlad
Yaron Lischinsky was the finest friend I’ve ever had, brilliant, kind, and endlessly thoughtful. A devout Christian and a gifted linguist, he spoke German, Hebrew, and Japanese. He was full of curiosity and always brimming with ideas. I don’t think we ever had a conversation that… pic.twitter.com/mSnliw9SkD
— Zineb Riboua (@zriboua) May 22, 2025
In pictures: Law enforcement responds to shooting outside Jewish museum in D.C.
12:40
,
Joe Sommerlad
This was the scene on the ground in Washington last night as the police and FBI responded to the shooting of Lischinsky and Milgrim outside of the Capital Jewish Museum.
Israeli staff shot dead in D.C. were couple set to be engaged
12:20
,
Joe Sommerlad
Recap: Trump expresses shock at ‘horrible’ killings and condemns ‘hatred and radicalism’
12:00
,
Joe Sommerlad
Beginning with President Trump, here’s some more of the domestic political reaction to last night’s events, which brought condemnation from both sides of the aisle.
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 Posts on (@trump_repost) May 22, 2025
I’m closely monitoring the shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum tonight in DC.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) May 22, 2025
This sickening shooting seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism which as we know is all too rampant in our society.
I’m praying for those who were killed, all those affected, and their…
Horrific. The shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a heinous act of antisemitic murder and terrorism.
— Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) May 22, 2025
U.S. law enforcement must use every tool at its disposal to investigate and prosecute these evil criminals. The U.S. must continue to stand with our most…
The subject is currently being interviewed by DC Metro in conjunction with our FBI JTTF team.
— Dan Bongino (@FBIDDBongino) May 22, 2025
The US Attorney’s office is on scene with me, and our WFO management team, at the Washington Field Office reviewing the evidence to determine additional actions.
The shooting…
UK foreign secretary condemns ‘appalling, antisemitic’ killing of Israeli embassy staff
11:40
,
Joe Sommerlad
David Lammy has condemned the “appalling” killing of two Israeli embassy employees in Washington, D.C., in what he described as an “antisemitic crime”.
“Horrified by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in DC,” he wrote on X.
“We condemn this appalling, antisemitic crime. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and colleagues at this awful time.”
European leaders express condolences over museum killings
11:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are the latest to pay their respects to the victims’ families.
I thoroughly condemn the antisemitic attack outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 22, 2025
Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears.
My thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones, and as always, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Deux membres de l’ambassade d’Israël à Washington ont perdu la vie dans une attaque antisémite devant le Musée juif. Au Président @Isaac_Herzog, j’ai adressé nos pensées pour les familles et les proches des victimes.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) May 22, 2025
I am shocked by the news of the murder of two employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington. Our thoughts are with their families. At this stage we must assume an anti-Semitic motive. I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) May 22, 2025
Watch: Eyewitness recalls moment she ‘looked evil in the eye’
11:10
,
Joe Sommerlad
“ I actually offered him, gave him water. Unbeknownst to me was I that I was looking evil in the eye,” said Jojo Drake Kalin, organiser of the Annual Young Diplomats Reception.
Eyewitnesses say museum guests initially comforted shooter believing him to be a victim of the attack
10:55
,
Joe Sommerlad
Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher tell the BBC what they saw last night:
Watch: Moment suspect arrested after DC shooting
10:40
,
Joe Sommerlad
This was the moment Elias Rodriguez was apprehended.
Recap: Two Israeli embassy staffers shot dead in Washington, D.C.
10:25
,
Joe Sommerlad
If you’re just joining us, here’s the latest:
- A suspect has been arrested after two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead at 9.15pm on Wednesday night outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
- The victims have since been named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple who were about to become engaged.
- The gunman, who chanted “Free Palestine” as he was taken away by police, has been named as Elias Rodriguez.
- Both U.S. 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: Suspected shooter of two Israeli embassy workers, shouted ‘free, free Palestine’ during arrest
10:10
,
Joe Sommerlad
Here’s James Liddell with the latest on the suspected gunman.
