Two Israeli embassy staffers, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were fatally shot by a lone gunman Wednesday night near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The young couple, about to be engaged, were leaving an event when the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, opened fire. He was apprehended at the scene and reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while in custody.
Officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, condemned the attack as antisemitic. Trump called for an end to antisemitic violence, while Netanyahu ordered increased security for Israeli missions worldwide. The FBI labeled the incident a targeted act of violence.
The victims had strong ties to peace advocacy and diplomacy. Lischinsky, a Bavarian native, was known for fostering German-Israeli relations, while Milgrim volunteered with initiatives uniting Palestinians and Israelis.
The shooting occurred as Israel faces mounting international pressure to ease the humanitarian blockade in Gaza. The attack may further intensify debates surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict within the U.S.
Source: Swifteradio.com
