Israeli embassy workers killed identified as Yaron Lischinsky, Sarah Lynn Milgrim
The couple was exiting the Capital Jewish Museum around 9 p.m. ET when they were shot, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.
The suspect was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago. Rodriguez was detained by security and yelled "Free, free Palestine," when taken into custody, Smith said. Investigators believe Rodriguez acted alone.
Lischinsky and Milgrim were about to get engaged, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said during the news conference.
"The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem," Leiter said. "They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural center."
Capital Jewish Museum Shooting: Couple slain as they exited DC Jewish community event
What to know about shooting outside D.C.'s Capital Jewish Museum
Smith said a preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were exiting an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum when the shooting occurred.
Rodriguez was seen pacing back and forth outside the museum before the shooting, Smith said. The suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, striking Lischinsky and Milgrim.
Rodriguez entered the museum and was detained by event security, Smith said.
Officers responding to the scene discovered one man and one woman unconscious and not breathing, Smith said. Despite "life-saving efforts" by first responders, both Lischinsky and Milgrim died at the scene, Smith added.
We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington -- Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
May their memory be a blessing.
We embrace the grieving families during this... pic.twitter.com/14f2AMvGIF — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) May 22, 2025
Who was Yaron Lischinsky?
Lischinsky was a research assistant for Middle East and North African affairs at the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., according to his LinkedIn.
He held a master's degree in government, diplomacy & strategy from Reichman University in Israel and a bachelor's degree in international relations & Asian studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He was also fluent in English, Hebrew and German, according to his LinkedIn.
"I'm an ardent believer in the vision that was outlined in the Abraham Accords and believe that expanding the circle of peace with our Arab neighbors and pursuing regional cooperation is in the best interest of the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole," Lischinsky said on his LinkedIn profile.
Who was Sarah Lynn Milgrim?
Milgrim worked at the Israeli embassy since November 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile.
She held a master's degree in international affairs from American University, a master's degree in natural resources and sustainable development from The University for Peace and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas, according to her profile.
"My passion lies at the intersection of peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work," she said on her LinkedIn profile.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
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