A shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., claimed the lives of two Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

According to the AP, the incident, which occurred shortly after 9:00 p.m. ET, has been widely condemned as an act of violence, with authorities investigating possible motives related to antisemitism or terrorism.

The shooting took place as the victims were exiting an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the Capital Jewish Museum, located in the 500 block of Third Street Northwest, a bustling area of Washington, D.C., near federal buildings and cultural institutions.

The event, described as a Young Diplomats Reception, aimed to foster dialogue on humanitarian aid in the Middle East, bringing together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, a single suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before approaching a group of four people, including Lischinsky and Milgrim.

Rodriguez allegedly produced a handgun and opened fire, fatally striking the two victims at close range. Both were found unconscious and not breathing at the scene and, despite efforts by emergency responders, were pronounced dead.

After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum, where he was detained by event security.

While in custody, he reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” and implied responsibility for the attack, according to police and eyewitness accounts.

He also directed authorities to the location where he had discarded the firearm, which was subsequently recovered.

Authorities have confirmed that Rodriguez had no prior contact with law enforcement and was not on any security watchlists.

Yaron Lischinsky, 30, was a research assistant in the Israeli Embassy’s political department, while Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, organized trips and missions to Israel, according to the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The two were described as a couple on the verge of engagement, with Lischinsky having recently purchased a ring to propose to Milgrim during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter described them as a “beautiful couple” who had come to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.

The Israeli Embassy expressed profound grief, stating, “Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.

The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder.”

Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the embassy, shared a personal reflection, noting, “Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner – and now, all that remains is a picture.”

Lischinsky, who held German citizenship in addition to his Israeli nationality, was remembered by the German-Israeli Society as an “open-minded, intelligent, and deeply committed person” dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

Milgrim was an active volunteer with Tech2Peace, an advocacy group promoting dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians, where she was praised for her empathy and dedication to building a better future.

The shooting has prompted strong reactions from U.S. and Israeli officials. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the attack, stating, “We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city.

We will not tolerate any acts of terrorism, and we’re going to stand together as a community to send a clear message that we will not tolerate antisemitism.”

She noted that the incident is likely to instill fear in communities across the country but emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

The FBI, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, is investigating the incident to determine whether it was motivated by hate or constitutes an act of terrorism.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro visited the scene shortly after the shooting, with Bondi confirming that she had spoken with President Donald Trump, who expressed his support for the Jewish community and the victims’ families.

President Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, “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.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide, describing the attack as a “heinous antisemitic murder.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the shooting a “direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement” and urged global leaders to cease inflammatory rhetoric against Israel.

International leaders also condemned the attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called it a “heinous act,” while Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul described it as “treacherous.”

Other European leaders, including those from France, Italy, and the UK, denounced the violence as an act of antisemitic barbarity.