Jewish organizations in Washington, D.C. are reviewing security protocols at synagogues and other institutions, in the wake of the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers Wednesday night.
Ron Halber, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said that local law enforcement has increased patrols around Jewish institutions in Washington since the killings.
“A lot of us are looking over our shoulder today,” Halber told Reuters. “But we have to keep leading proud open Jewish lives.”
The two victims were named as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a couple who were engaged. Lischinski's coffin arrived back in Israel on Friday, per ABC.
Chicago man Elias Rodriguez, 30, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder over their killings, which took place outside of a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
Rodriguez chanted “free, free Palestine,” according to police, after reportedly shooting at the couple at least 21 times. Court documents show that police recovered 21 fired bullets and a 9mm handgun from the scene, CNN reported.
It has since emerged that the suspect’s father, Eric Rodriguez, was invited to President Donald Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on March 5 this year by a Democratic lawmaker.
Key Points
- Elias Rodriguez charged with murder of Israeli embassy staffters
- Shooter 'fired 21 bullets' at couple in Washington, D.C.
- Father of suspect was invited to watch Trump address to Congress in March
- 'They were in love': White House press secretary reads reaction of victim's father
- Netanyahu lashes out at leaders of U.K., France and Canada after shooting
- Watch: Interim US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro announces charges against Rodriguez
Recap: Young couple working at Israeli embassy gunned down in Washington, D.C.
Friday 23 May 2025 13:27
,
Rachel Clun
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, 30.
- 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.
- The victims are Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, a young couple who were about to become engaged on an upcoming trip to Israel.
- 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.
FBI deputy director gives update on Israeli embassy shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.”
Progressive congresswoman Ilhan Omar shares her condolences for Israeli embassy shooting victims
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Watch LIVE: White House holds briefing
Thursday 22 May 2025 18:14
,
Oliver O'Connell
Trump 'saddened and outraged' by 'brutal murder' of Israeli embassy staffers
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
Trump speaks with Netanyahu to discuss Israeli embassy shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Shooting is latest of suspected or confirmed antisemitic attacks this year
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Watch LIVE: Mayor issues update on Israeli embassy staff shooting in Washington DC
Thursday 22 May 2025 19:00
,
Oliver O'Connell
Netanyahu lashes out at leaders of UK, France and Canada after D.C. shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
Suspect expected to appear in court today
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Watch: White House press secretary reads reaction of victim's father
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
NYC and Miami among cities that increase security around Jewish facilities in wake of DC shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
What we know about the fatal shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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:
Shooting suspect posted online manifesto: report
Thursday 22 May 2025 20:05
,
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
Shooting suspect's neighbor: 'I would've talked him out of it'
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.”
Suspect looked 'very scared' after shooting: witness
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Netanyahu calls suspect in shooting a 'terrorist'
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
Museum was awarded funding last week to increase security
Thursday 22 May 2025 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."
Crowd gathers at museum to honor victims
Thursday 22 May 2025 21:13
,
Erin Keller
Victim experienced antisemitism before shooting: father
Thursday 22 May 2025 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."
Suspect charged with murder of foreign officials, other crimes
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Officials search suspected shooter's Chicago apartment
Thursday 22 May 2025 21:45
,
Erin Keller
Details on suspect's upcoming court appearance
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
Watch LIVE: Mayor issues update on Israeli embassy staff shooting in Washington DC
Thursday 22 May 2025 21:57
,
Oliver O'Connell
Surveillance footage captured moment of shooting
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Rodriguez could face death penalty, waives right to detention hearing
Thursday 22 May 2025 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
Rodriguez arrived in D.C. having flown with firearm in baggage
Thursday 22 May 2025 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.
Shooting suspect charged with murder
Friday 23 May 2025 08:06
,
Alex Croft
The man accused of fatally shooting two staff members of the 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.
Rodriguez, 30, also faces charges of causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as two additional charges of first-degree murder in Washington, D.C.
According to witnesses, Rodriguez chanted “free, free Palestine” following the shooting, which occurred at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The two victims have been named as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and his partner, Sarah Milgrim, 26.
Shooter 'fired 21 bullets' at couple in Washington DC
Friday 23 May 2025 08:17
,
Alex Croft
New details are emerging about the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
Police recovered 21 fired bullets from the scene, CNN reported court documents as saying, suggesting the couple were fired at at least 21 times.
He had purchased the fun recovered from the crime scene in March 2020 in Illinois, the ATF discovered. While allegedly flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C., Elias Rodrigues - the suspect who has been charged - declared a firearm in his checked bag, according to court documents.
Full story: Suspect charged with murder over fatal shooting of Israeli embassy staff
Friday 23 May 2025 09:09
,
Rachel Clun
Couple were about to become engaged, before tragic shooting
Friday 23 May 2025 09:24
,
Rachel Clun
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were days from becoming engaged, before they were fatally shot after leaving an event at a Jewish museum on Wednesday night.
Israeli ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Lischinsky had recently purchased a ring, and had planned to propose to Milgrim next week when they were in Jerusalem.
“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives,” the embassy said later in a statement. “The entire embassy staff [is] heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss.”
Lischinsky was described as a “clever and inspiring person” by a friend, while Milgrim was a curious person with an “unwavering belief” in peace and equality, according to her former employer.
Read more about the couple here:
In pictures: people attend vigil for shooting victims
Friday 23 May 2025 09:40
,
Rachel Clun
Mourners attended a candlelit vigil for Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim outside the White House on Thursday.
Socialist party denies Israeli embassy shooting suspect is a member
Friday 23 May 2025 09:58
,
Rachel Clun
The man charged with murder over the shooting deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim had a brief association with a left wing group.
Elias Rodriguez had a “brief association” with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which advocated on behalf of Palestinians, the group confirmed in a post on X.
The group added that Rodriguez 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.”
Read the full story here:
Starmer ‘on wrong side of history’ after Israeli embassy shooting, Netanyahu says
Friday 23 May 2025 10:19
,
Rachel Clun
Israel’s leader has accused Sir Keir Starmer and other world leaders of “being on the wrong side” of justice, humanity and history after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead in Washington D.C.
Guest recalls moment alleged gunman sat with her after the shooting
Friday 23 May 2025 10:41
,
Rachel Clun
A guest at the Capital Jewish Museum event has recalled the moment the alleged gunman sat near her after the shooting.
Paige Siegel told the Washington Post she watched a man rush into the building who appeared shaken.
She told the newspaper the man seemed to be a “normal person that you walk by on the street”, and her friend offered him a cup of water.
But then, Siegel said he stood up.
“He starts screaming, ‘I did it. I did it for Gaza,’” she said.
Comment: The Washington DC shootings have bought Netanyahu international sympathy – for now
Friday 23 May 2025 11:01
,
Rachel Clun
Just as Israel seemed on the brink of losing some of its most durable diplomatic support, the killing of two Israeli diplomats in Washington DC could have the effect of calling that shift into question, or at least putting it on hold, Mary Dejevsky writes:
Rodriguez listened impassively in court as charges read
Friday 23 May 2025 11:23
,
Rachel Clun, AP
Elias Rodriguez, 31, appeared in federal court in Washington on Thursday in a white jail suit and listened impassively as charges and possible punishments, which include the death penalty, were read.
Rodriguez faces charges of murder of foreign officials and other crimes and did not enter a plea during a perfunctory court appearance.
Additional charges are likely, prosecutors said, as authorities continue to investigate the killings as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and terrorism.
Charging documents provided chilling new details of Wednesday night’s attack, revealing Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" as he was led away after his arrest.
Federal authorities said that Rodriguez told police after his arrest, "I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
Jeanine Pirro, the interim U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said: "Violence against anyone based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero.
"Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital."
Dad of alleged shooter was invited to Trump address by Democrat in March
Friday 23 May 2025 11:42
,
Rachel Clun
The father of the man charged over the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staffers was invited to President Donald Trump’s joint address in March by a Democratic lawmaker, according to reports.
“Eric Rodriguez was our guest during the President’s Joint Speech to Congress, but we don’t know his family,” Illinois Representative Jesus “Chuy” Garcia told the New York Post.
In March, Garcia described Rodriguez as “an outspoken advocate against attacks on veterans’ services and the rights of unionized federal employees,” according to the Post.
In a statement at the time, the Democrat continued: “Eric represents the very best of our community — someone who has served his country, continues to serve his fellow veterans and fights every day to protect the dignity of working people.”
On Thursday Rodriguez’s son Elias was charged with two counts of first degree murder over the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
Garcia condemned the “horrible, senseless act of antisemitism” earlier in the day.
Mourners gathered in vigil for Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim
Friday 23 May 2025 12:01
,
Rachel Clun
Outside the White House, mourners gathered for a candlelit vigil for the couple who were shot dead at a Jewish event in Washington D.C.
About 200 people gathered at the makeshift memorial on Thursday evening, the New York Times reports, and tea light candles were arranged in the shape of the Star of David.
The group sang Hebrew songs, the newspaper reported, as well as the Star Spangled Banner.
Israeli ambassador to U.S. says 'stop delegitimizing us' following shooting
Friday 23 May 2025 12:18
,
Rachel Clun
Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said the fatal shooting of two staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim,” was part of an international move to “delegitimize and demonize Israel”.
“We're called the worst kinds of names. Our prime minister is called a war criminal. All of our soldiers are referred to in such derogatory fashion,” he said in an interview with PBS on Thursday.
Asked what he thought was causing this sort of hate, Leiter said it was “the demonization of the state of Israel, the attempt to say that we are interlopers or colonizers or occupiers, that we don't really belong.”
Leiter said global leaders including Sir Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron had explaining to do over their criticisms of Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Stop beating