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Euronews
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Two Israeli embassy staff members shot and killed in Washington
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum after an assailant approached a group of people and opened fire, authorities said. According to Police Chief Pamela Smith, law enforcement apprehended the suspect on site. The gunman yelled, 'Free, free Palestine' after he was arrested, Smith said. "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 explained at a press conference in Washington. The man has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. Witnesses told the press he entered the museum visibly distressed after the shooting. Some of those present helped him without realising he was the suspected assailant. He was initially detained by museum security, according to reports. The museum in downtown Washington is just steps away from the FBI field office. The two victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event on helping Gazans at the museum together with two others at around 9 pm local time (3 am CEST) when the gunman opened fire on their group. One of the victims died on the scene while the other was taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but could not be saved, authorities said. The identities of the victims were not immediately known. Israeli Ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged. The man "purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem," Leiter said. Former Israeli Ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was a US employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. The victims were later identified as embassy analyst Yaron Lischinsky — who also held German citizenship — and Sarah Milgrim, an employee in the embassy's public diplomacy department. "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 wrote in his biography on LinkedIn. In his bio, Lischinsky, 28, also said he was an "advocate for interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding". "My passion lies at the intersection of peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work," Milgrim's bio on the same platform said. "I am eager to contribute to organisations dedicated to bridging divides, promoting religious harmony, and advancing sustainable practices," Milgrim said about her work. "Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives," the Embassy of Israel to Washington said in a tribute on X on Thursday. "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 embassy added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that he was 'shocked' by the 'horrific, antisemitic' shooting. 'We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,' he said in a statement. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a 'depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.' 'We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,' Danon said in a post on X. 'Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.' EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the attack, stating on Thursday that "there is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on X he "strongly condemned" the "despicable act", adding that "at the moment we must assume there was an antisemitic motive". French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called the shooting "an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity," stating that "nothing can justify such violence". US President Donald Trump denounced the attack as antisemitic, stating on his Truth Social platform that "these horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, now." "Hatred and radicalism have no place in the US,' Trump added. 'This event was about humanitarian aid,' witness Yoni Kalin, who was at the Washington museum on Wednesday night, said. 'How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.'
North Wales Chronicle
22-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Israeli embassy staff members shot dead near Jewish museum in Washington DC
Officers said the suspect yelled, 'Free, free Palestine' after he was arrested following the attack on Wednesday evening. The shooting prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise. The two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said. He added that the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. The man, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, then walked into the museum, was detained by event security and began chanting, 'Free, free Palestine,' Ms Smith added. Israeli officials identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American. Mr Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Ms Milgrim organised visits and missions to Israel. 'These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!' US President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. 'Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.' – Israel's reaction Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that he was 'shocked' by the 'horrific, antisemitic' shooting. 'We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,' he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Their identities were not immediately made public. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney general Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Mr Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Ms Bondi, who told him Mr Trump was 'involved in managing the incident' and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an lawyer who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered. Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a post on social media that 'early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence'. – Israel's new campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back. The shooting comes as Israel has launched a new campaign targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip in a war that has set tensions aflame across the wider Middle East. The war began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023 to kill 1,200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. '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!' —President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 22, 2025 The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory's roughly 2 million population, sparked a hunger crisis and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape. – 'In cold blood' Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Mr Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, 'Free Palestine,'' Mr Kalin said. 'This event was about humanitarian aid,' Mr Kalin said. 'How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? 'How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.' Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local non-profits in Washington DC awarded funding from a 500,000 dollar grant programme to increase its security. The museum's leaders were concerned because it is a Jewish organisation and due to its new LGBT exhibit, according to NBC4 Washington. 'We recognise that there are threats associated with this as well,' executive director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. '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.' In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they are 'deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum this evening'. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington chief executive Gil Preuss said in a statement that he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. 'Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence,' he said. Israeli diplomats in the past have been targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.
South Wales Guardian
22-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Israeli embassy staff members shot dead near Jewish museum in Washington DC
Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. The suspect is understood to have yelled 'Free, free Palestine' after he was arrested. The attack has sent shockwaves around the world and prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting and he then walked into the museum where he was detained by security, Ms Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, 'Free, free Palestine,' Ms Smith added. She said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community. 'These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!' US President Donald Trump posted on social media early on Thursday. 'Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.' – Israel's reaction Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that he was 'shocked' by the 'horrific, antisemitic' shooting. 'We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,' he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Their identities were not immediately made public. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney general Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Mr Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Ms Bondi, who told him Mr Trump was 'involved in managing the incident' and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an lawyer who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered. Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a post on social media that 'early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence'. – Israel's new campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back. The shooting comes as Israel has launched a new campaign targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip in a war that has set tensions aflame across the wider Middle East. The war began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023 to kill 1,200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count does not differentiate between combatants and civilians. '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!' —President Donald J. Trump — The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 22, 2025 The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory's roughly 2 million population, sparked a hunger crisis and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape. – 'In cold blood' Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Mr Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, 'Free Palestine,'' Mr Kalin said. 'This event was about humanitarian aid,' Mr Kalin said. 'How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? 'How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.' Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local non-profits in Washington DC awarded funding from a 500,000 dollar grant programme to increase its security. The museum's leaders were concerned because it is a Jewish organisation and due to its new LGBT exhibit, according to NBC4 Washington. 'We recognise that there are threats associated with this as well,' executive director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. '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.' In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they are 'deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum this evening'. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington chief executive Gil Preuss said in a statement that he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. 'Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence,' he said. Israeli diplomats in the past have been targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.
Chicago Tribune
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
2 staff members of Israeli Embassy killed in shooting near Jewish museum in Washington, DC
WASHINGTON — Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed Wednesday evening while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, 'Free, free Palestine' after he was arrested, police said. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, 'Free, free Palestine,' Smith said. She said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community. The stunning attack prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally. 'These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!' President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. 'Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday that he was 'shocked' by the 'horrific, antisemitic' shooting. 'We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,' he said in a statement. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was 'involved in managing the incident' and the U.S. would bring the perpetrator to justice. It was not immediately clear whether Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. A telephone number listed in public records rang unanswered. Dan Bongino, deputy director of the FBI, wrote in a post on social media that 'early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence.' The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back. The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, to kill 1,200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities, whose count doesn't differentiate between combatants and civilians. The fighting has displaced 90% of the territory's roughly 2 million population, sparked a hunger crisis and obliterated vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape. The violence occurred following the American Jewish Committee's annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum. 'This is a shocking act of violence and our community is holding each other tighter tonight,' Ted Deutch, American Jewish Committee's chief executive, said in a statement early Thursday. 'At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims' families, loved ones, and all of Israel. May their memories be for a blessing.' Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realizing he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled, 'Free Palestine,'' Kalin said. 'This event was about humanitarian aid,' Kalin said. 'How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood.' Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was one of the local nonprofits in Washington awarded funding from a $500,000 grant program to increase its security. The museum's leaders were concerned because it is a Jewish organization and due to its new LGBTQ exhibit, according to NBC4 Washington. 'We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,' Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz told the TV station. '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.' In response to the shooting, the museum said in a statement that they are 'deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless violence outside the Museum this evening.' The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said in a statement that he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. 'Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of antisemitic violence,' he said. Israeli diplomats in the past have been targeted by violence, both by state-backed assailants and Palestinian militants over the decades of the wider Israeli-Palestinian conflict that grew out of the founding of Israel in 1948. The Palestinians seek Gaza and the West Bank for a future state, with east Jerusalem as its capital — lands Israel captured in the 1967 war. However, the peace process between the sides has been stalled for years.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Israeli embassy staffers killed in Washington, man held
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington have been shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, "Free, free Palestine" after he was arrested, police say. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organised visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said told reporters. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting "Free, free Palestine", Smith said. The stunning attack prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office said he was shocked by the "horrific, anti-Semitic" shooting. "We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against Israel," he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had bought a ring with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was "involved in managing the incident" and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023, to kill 1200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled "Free Palestine", Kalin said. "This event was about humanitarian aid," Kalin said. "How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood." Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was among non-profits in Washington awarded funding to increase its security. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. "Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of anti-Semitic violence," he said. Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington have been shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, "Free, free Palestine" after he was arrested, police say. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organised visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said told reporters. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting "Free, free Palestine", Smith said. The stunning attack prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office said he was shocked by the "horrific, anti-Semitic" shooting. "We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against Israel," he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had bought a ring with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was "involved in managing the incident" and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023, to kill 1200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled "Free Palestine", Kalin said. "This event was about humanitarian aid," Kalin said. "How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood." Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was among non-profits in Washington awarded funding to increase its security. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. "Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of anti-Semitic violence," he said. Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington have been shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, "Free, free Palestine" after he was arrested, police say. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organised visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said told reporters. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting "Free, free Palestine", Smith said. The stunning attack prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office said he was shocked by the "horrific, anti-Semitic" shooting. "We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against Israel," he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had bought a ring with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was "involved in managing the incident" and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023, to kill 1200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled "Free Palestine", Kalin said. "This event was about humanitarian aid," Kalin said. "How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood." Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was among non-profits in Washington awarded funding to increase its security. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. "Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of anti-Semitic violence," he said. Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington have been shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, "Free, free Palestine" after he was arrested, police say. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organised visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said told reporters. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting "Free, free Palestine", Smith said. The stunning attack prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security. The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally. "These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office said he was shocked by the "horrific, anti-Semitic" shooting. "We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against Israel," he said in a statement. Israeli ambassador to the US Yechiel Leiter said the two people killed were a young couple about to be engaged, saying the man had bought a ring with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli. Attorney-General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the US attorney in Washington and whose office would prosecute the case. The statement from Netanyahu's office said he spoke to Bondi, who told him Trump was "involved in managing the incident" and the US would bring the perpetrator to justice. The war in the Gaza Strip began with the Palestinian militant group Hamas coming out of Gaza on October 7, 2023, to kill 1200 people and take some 250 hostages back to the coastal enclave. In the time since, Israel's devastating campaign in Gaza has killed more than 53,000 people, mostly women and children, according to local health authorities. Yoni Kalin and Katie Kalisher were inside the museum when they heard gunshots and a man came inside looking distressed, they said. Kalin said people came to his aid and brought him water, thinking he needed help, without realising he was the suspect. When police arrived, he pulled out a red keffiyeh and repeatedly yelled "Free Palestine", Kalin said. "This event was about humanitarian aid," Kalin said. "How can we actually help both the people in Gaza and the people in Israel? How can we bring together Muslims and Jews and Christians to work together to actually help innocent people? And then here he is just murdering two people in cold blood." Last week, the Capital Jewish Museum was among non-profits in Washington awarded funding to increase its security. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington CEO Gil Preuss said he was horrified by the shooting and mourned the loss of the two people killed. "Our hearts are with their families and loved ones, and with all of those who are impacted by this tragic act of anti-Semitic violence," he said.
