Messianic Jewish Couple Killed in Antisemitic Attack Outside D.C. Jewish Museum
A gunman fatally shot two Israeli embassy workers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C. Wednesday night, shouting "free Palestine" in an antisemitic attack that shocked the capital and drew widespread condemnation from leaders. The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, two employees who were dating and worked for the Israeli embassy in D.C.
"The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem," Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the U.S., told reporters. "They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural center."
According to Forward, Lischinsky and Milgrim were Messianic Jews -- a term that refers to individuals who are ethnically Jewish but who also believe Jesus was the Messiah and Savior. Messianic Jews are sometimes called Jewish Christians.
Law enforcement said the attack was "targeted" and that the alleged gunman shouted "free Palestine" as he was detained.
The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, who shot the couple before pulling out a headscarf and telling others, "I did it for Gaza" and "free Palestine," according to a woman interviewed by CBS News. He is from Chicago.
Rodriguez's social posts were filled with anti-Israel comments, CBS News said.
"Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives," the Israeli embassy said in a statement.
The statement labeled the gunman a terrorist.
"The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder," it said. "No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time."
Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) May 22, 2025
This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC.
The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr
President Trump condemned the attack.
"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!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the federal government will do "everything in our power" to keep the Jewish community safe. The suspect, she said, will be prosecuted to the "fullest extent of the law."
Photo Credit: ©X/IsraelinUSA
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
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Originally published May 22, 2025.
