22-05-2025
‘Hate is not an American value': State officials react to fatal shooting of 2 Israeli Embassy staffers in DC
CHICAGO — A Chicago man is in custody on Thursday morning in connection with the fatal shooting of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington.
The victims were gunned down as they were leaving an event that was being held at the Capital Jewish Museum.
In a post shared on X, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino called the shooting an 'act of terror.'
Two Israeli embassy staff members shot and killed near D.C. Jewish museum; suspect arrested is from Chicago
'Last night's act of terror has the full attention of your FBI. Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards. And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads. I should have additional updates for you shortly as I head back to FBI HQ,' Bongino said.
'The Illinois Holocaust Museum mourns the senseless murder of two staff members of Israel's embassy, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were tragically shot last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Our hearts go out to their families, the Israeli community, and all affected by this horrific act. We stand united against antisemitism and violence against Jews in all forms and reject the normalization of hate and violence as unacceptable,' a spokesperson for the Illinois Holocaust Museum said in a statement shared Thursday morning.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the deadly shooting, calling it an 'antisemitic attack.'
'Acts of antisemitism, hate and violence have no place in our nation. I strongly condemn the antisemitic attack resulting in the murder of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim – two Israeli embassy staff – at the Capitol Jewish Museum last night in Washington, D.C.,' Johnson said. 'We send out deepest condolences and pray for the victims, their families, colleagues, and those who loved them,' Johnson said.
Some state officials in Illinois have issued statements following the deadly shooting.
Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who recently announced a Senate bid, called the shooting 'horrific' and vowed to fight against antisemitism if elected.
'I am sickened by the horrific killing of two Israeli embassy officials outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night. What was meant to be a night of celebration and unity was ripped apart by a senseless act of violence and hate against the Jewish community. I am praying for the families and all those affected,' Stratton said. 'This horrific shooting is emblematic of the rise of antisemitism that has taken root in communities all across the country. It's unacceptable. As Lieutenant Governor, I'm proud to lead in an administration that established the Help Stop Hate program to combat the rise of hate crimes across our state, but that work is never done. As Senator, I'll continue to fight against antisemitism everywhere it takes place, and I'll continue working to make Illinois and America a place where the Jewish community can be safe and live free from the fear of violence.'
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, who represents Illinois's 8th congressional district, called the shooting a 'horrific act of violence' in a statement shared late Wednesday night.
'My office is closely monitoring the tragic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. As we await further details, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this horrific act of violence,'
Rep. Brad Schneider who represents Illinois's 10th congressional district, also referred to the shooting as an apparent act of 'anti-semitic violence.'
'It's horrifying to see what appears to be anti-semitic violence right here in the nation's capital. While authorities complete a full investigation, we must come together and say 'Am Yisrael Chai,'' Schneider said in an X post.
Global leaders are condemning the fatal attack on 2 Israeli Embassy staffers. Here's what they said
'This is absolutely devastating. I'm keeping the victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community in my prayers. No one should live in fear. We must stand united against hate—always,' Rep. Nikki Budzinski, who represents Illinois's 13th congressional district said.
Congressman Eric Sorensen, who represents Illinois's 17th congressional district, issued a video statement addressing the shooting, calling it an 'apparent act of terrorism'
'My thoughts and my prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as those who were in attendance and the Irasalie embarassdor. But I also want to acknowledge a rising tide of antisemitism in our country. Hate is not an American value,' Sorensen said.
Sara Feigenholtz, who represents Illinois 6th Senate District said she was heartbroken by the incident.'
'I am heartbroken at this act of senseless violence. Antisemitism is what killed two innocent souls last night who were gunned down in cold blood. My heart breaks for their loved ones and all who care about them and the future of humanity,' Feigenholtz said. 'Yaron Lischinsky is described by his friends as both a brilliant and kind person. He was a devout Christian and a gifted linguist who loved America. Sarah Milgram was a young woman who dedicated her life to building peace. Until hate and continued delegitimization of a people and their state ends, antisemitism will continue to flourish. To honor Sarah Milgram's memory, legacy and her commitment to peaceful coexistence, we must end the scourge of hate and antisemitism.'
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
According to the Associated Press, Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.
'Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives,' an official from the Israeli embassy said in a post shared on X early Thursday morning.
The statement went on to describe the shooter as a 'terrorist.'
'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,' the post read in part.
Yechiel Leiter, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., told the Associated Press that Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem next week.
Authorities identified the suspect arrested in connection with the shooting as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, a Chicago resident.
At a news conference held early Thursday morning, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the victims were among a group of four people who were approached by the suspect before he allegedly opened fire.
Here's what we know about the DC shooting where 2 staff members of the Israeli Embassy were killed
Additionally, Rodriguez had allegedly been spotted pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting. He was then detained by event security after he walked into the museum after the shooting.
At the time he was taken into custody, Rodriguez allegedly began chanting 'Free, free Palestine,' Smith said.
A spokesperson for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) confirmed Thursday morning that Rodriguez had been employed with them and promised to cooperate with investigators during their investigation.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) joins with the American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA) to express our profound sorrow in response to the tragic shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening.
We were shocked and saddened to learn that an AOIA employee has been arrested as a suspect in this horrific crime. Both the AOIA and AOA stand ready to cooperate with the investigation in any way we can. 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.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims' loved ones, wishing them peace, comfort and strength during this unimaginably difficult time.
AOA President Teresa A. Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), CS, and Kathleen S. Creason, MBA.
A spokesperson for the FBI Chicago Field Office told WGN-TV that it was supporting the Washington Field Office in its investigation into the deadly shooting.
On Thursday morning, agents with the FBI Chicago field office were spotted raiding a residence in East Albany Park.
A spokesperson later confirmed that agents were conducting authorized law enforcement activity in the area in relation to the shooting.
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