The FBI has classified the recent tragic shootings as an ‘act of terror.’
On the evening of May 21, two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed shortly after leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Police have confirmed that a suspect has been apprehended.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, a research assistant, and Sarah Milgrim, who organized trips and missions for Israel. The couple was engaged and was set to marry next week in Jerusalem, as noted by Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter.
Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was arrested in connection with the incident, according to Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, during a press briefing shortly after the shooting. Reports indicate that Rodriguez approached a group of four individuals and opened fire.
Prior to the shooting, Rodriguez was allegedly seen pacing outside the museum. Smith stated that he yelled, “Free, free Palestine,” as he was taken into custody.
Eyewitness Yoni Kalin recounted to Fox 5 that security initially mistook the shooter for a victim. He reported that the suspect asked someone to call the police and later confessed to law enforcement that he was involved in the shooting.
Federal Response
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on social media platform X that the suspect is currently being interrogated by both FBI agents and local police.
Bongino confirmed that multiple federal agencies are participating in the investigation, which is taking place in close proximity to the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
In a follow-up post, he labeled the shooting an “act of terror” that “has the full attention of your FBI.”
“Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically perpetrated by spineless, cowardly individuals,” Bongino remarked. “And the penalties will be severe as we intensify our investigation and pursue any additional leads.”
FBI Director Kash Patel reported that he and his team are closely monitoring the situation and collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Department to gather more details.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the attack, expressing, “We are actively investigating and working to gather more information. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this heinous perpetrator to justice,” she wrote on May 21.
Attorney General Pam Bondi shared her condolences in a May 21 post on X, stating she visited the crime scene along with U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
President Donald Trump responded to the shootings later that evening in a post on Truth Social, declaring, “These horrific D.C. killings, clearly motivated by antisemitism, must cease immediately!”
“Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA. My condolences go out to the families of the victims. It is heartbreaking that such acts can occur! God bless you all!”
Response From Israeli Officials
The Israeli Embassy in the United States shared a photo of the engaged couple just hours after the shooting, expressing their heartbreak and devastation over the tragedy.
The embassy characterized the shooting as an act of terrorism, stating, “Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.”
Danny Danon, Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, described the shooting as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
“Attacking the Jewish community crosses a red line,” Danon asserted on X. “We trust that U.S. authorities will take decisive action against those responsible for this heinous act. Israel remains committed to protecting its citizens and representatives worldwide.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed his devastation regarding the incident.
“This despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy. I extend my full support to the Ambassador and all embassy staff,” Herzog stated in a May 21 post on X.
“We stand with the Jewish community in D.C. and across the U.S. America and Israel will unite in defending our people and shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”
Recent Tensions
Tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups in and around the Gaza Strip have escalated recently, particularly following Israel’s renewed campaign to seize “operational control” of the territory amid ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The current wave of violence began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages.
The event where the May 21 shooting occurred was organized by the American Jewish Committee.
“We are devastated that such an unthinkable act of violence occurred outside our venue,” remarked the advocacy organization’s CEO, Ted Deutch, in a statement. “At this time, as we await further updates from the police regarding the details of the incident, our thoughts and prayers are entirely focused on the victims and their families.”
If you found this article interesting, please consider supporting traditional journalism
Our first edition was published 25 years ago from a basement in Atlanta. Today, The Epoch Times delivers fact-based, award-winning journalism to millions of Americans.
Our journalists have faced threats, arrests, and assaults, yet our commitment to independent journalism remains unshakeable. This year marks our 25th anniversary of independent reporting, free from corporate and political influence.
That’s why we invite you to take advantage of a limited-time introductory offer — just $1 per week — allowing you to join millions already celebrating independent news.
