Chicago man identified as suspect in fatal shooting near DC Jewish museum…
On the evening of May 21, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was apprehended at the scene.
The victims were Yaron Lischinsky, a 30-year-old German-Israeli, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, a 26-year-old American Jew. Both were employees at the Israeli embassy and were leaving a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee when they were shot. The couple had plans to get engaged in Jerusalem the following week .
Suspect and Motive
Elias Rodriguez, reportedly with no prior criminal record, was seen pacing outside the museum before the attack. After the shooting, he entered the museum and was initially mistaken for a witness. Upon being offered assistance, he revealed a keffiyeh and shouted “Free Palestine,” indicating a political motive. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential hate crime or act of terrorism, citing antisemitic and anti-Israel motivations .
Reactions and Investigations
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation. Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog, labeled it an act of antisemitic terrorism. U.S. leaders, such as President Donald Trump, also denounced the killings, emphasizing the need to combat hatred and radicalism. The FBI and local police are conducting a joint investigation, examining Rodriguez’s background and potential radicalization .
Security measures have been heightened at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide in response to the attack.
