Marina
On the evening of May 21, 2025, a tragic shooting occurred outside the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, both staff members of the Israeli Embassy, were leaving a diplomatic event when they were fatally shot. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was apprehended at the scene and now faces multiple federal charges.
Incident Details
At approximately 9:08 p.m. EDT, Lischinsky and Milgrim were exiting the museum after attending a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
Rodriguez approached the couple and opened fire, fatally wounding both. Witnesses reported that Rodriguez shouted “Free, free Palestine” during his arrest.
Victims’ Background
- Yaron Lischinsky: An Israeli citizen and former IDF soldier, Lischinsky served as a researcher in the political department of the Israeli Embassy.
- Sarah Milgrim: An American from Prairie Village, Kansas, Milgrim was involved in Jewish community organizations and worked in the embassy’s public diplomacy department.
The couple had plans to become engaged during an upcoming trip to Jerusalem.
Suspect Profile: Elias Rodriguez
Rodriguez, a Chicago native, held an English degree from the University of Illinois Chicago and was employed by the American Osteopathic Information Association.
He had a history of activism and was briefly associated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, which has since disavowed him. A manifesto titled “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home”, allegedly authored by Rodriguez, surfaced online, expressing anti-Israel sentiments.
Legal Proceedings
Rodriguez faces several charges, including:
- First-degree murder
- Murder of foreign officials
- Use of a firearm during a crime of violence
If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2025.
Community and Global Reactions
The attack has been widely condemned as an act of antisemitic violence. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated, “Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital.”
Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter described the incident as part of a broader campaign against Israel, referring to it as the “eighth front” in Israel’s ongoing conflicts.
Information Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | May 21, 2025 |
| Time | 9:08 p.m. EDT |
| Location | Capital Jewish Museum, Washington, D.C. |
| Victims | Yaron Lischinsky (30), Sarah Milgrim (26) |
| Suspect | Elias Rodriguez (31), Chicago resident |
| Charges | First-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, firearm-related offenses |
| Preliminary Hearing Date | June 18, 2025 |
| Potential Penalties | Death penalty or life imprisonment |
| Motive | Alleged political protest against Israeli actions in Gaza |
The tragic deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim have highlighted the dangers of politically motivated violence and rising antisemitism.
As the legal process unfolds, communities worldwide mourn the loss of two individuals dedicated to diplomacy and peace.