What we know so far
- Two staffers at Israel’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
- Social media video showed the suspect shouting “Free, free Palestine” while he was led away. Police identified him as Elias Rodriguez, in his early 30s and from Chicago, and said he “implied” that he had committed the crime.
- The Israeli government identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who were about to become engaged.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he was outraged by the “horrifying antisemitic murder.”
- The FBI is investigating whether the shooting could be hate-motivated. U.S. and Israeli officials have condemned the attack as antisemitic.
Suspect 'seemed like a normal, friendly guy,' neighbor says
John Wayne Fry, a neighbor who lived by the suspect in a brick apartment building on a quiet tree-lined street in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, said he interacted with Rodriguez infrequently in the hallway or by the mailboxes but knew him for having a “Justice for Wadea” sign in his window. Wadee Alfayoumi was a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy who was fatally stabbed by his landlord in Illinois days after the Israel-Hamas war erupted in 2023.
Rodriguez “seemed like a normal, friendly guy,” Fry said, adding that the two had not spoken about Israel before but that he wished they had, because “I would have talked him out of it.”
Several FBI vehicles pulled up to the building today, and agents dressed in camo gear and carrying large firearms went inside. They later left with what looked like large electronic equipment. Chicago police were positioned outside, blocking the entrance to the street.
Suspect's case is eligible for the death penalty, judge says
Rodriguez could face life in prison or the death penalty, Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh told the suspect at his initial federal court appearance in Washington today.
Rodriguez, wearing a white prison jump suit and glasses, said he was 31 years old, holds a bachelor’s degree and had not been under the influence of any drugs, alcohol or medication in the last day or so. He remained calm throughout the hearing, paying attention to the proceedings throughout.
Rodriguez confirmed he is asking the court to appoint an attorney on his behalf and chose to waive his detention hearing, which means he will be held without bond until his preliminary hearing June 18.
In asking the judge for what amounts to a technical delay in starting the “speedy trial” clock, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Nestler called it “a complicated case involving a large amount of evidence and witnesses” and a “complicated crime scene.” The judge agreed.
Sarah Milgrim tried to crawl away from shooter before he reloaded and shot her again, affidavit says
Security video shows Rodriguez walking past Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky before h turns to face their backs and pulls a firearm from his waistband, the criminal complaint alleges.
He then fired several times as shown by muzzle flashes, it alleges.
Milgrim tried to crawl away from Rodriguez, the affidavit says. She sat up before Rodriguez reloaded his weapon and fired several more times, it says.
The gunman was then seen on video jogging back in the direction of the museum, according to the document. He then told officers on the scene, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
Rodriguez flew from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in northern Virginia on Tuesday, according to United Airlines records cited in the affidavit. He declared his firearm in his checked baggage and flew with it across state lines, it says.
Double murder being investigated as hate crime and act of terrorism, Pirro says
The killings are being investigated as a hate crime and a crime of terrorism, Jeanine Pirro, the interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., said at a news conference this afternoon.
"Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation’s capital," she said, adding, "We’re going to continue to investigate this as a hate crime and a crime of terrorism, and we will add additional charges as the evidence warrants."
Pirro spoke of the victims — a "young couple," she called them — who were at the "beginning of their life’s journey about to be engaged," she said.
The couple "had their bodies removed in the cold of the night ... in a body bag. We are not going to tolerate that anymore," she said.
Elias Rodriguez charged with murder
Elias Rodriguez has been formally charged in Washington ahead of his initial appearance at the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse.
He fax=ces two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Other charges include the murder of foreign officials, causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Sarah Milgrim's father says she and Yaron Lischinsky were 'perfect for each other'
Sarah Milgrim's father, Robert Milgrim, told NBC News his daughter was "as close to perfect as any human could be." She had a passion for learning, the environment and Israel.
Robert Milgrim did not know his daughter was about to be proposed to, saying he found out only after the Israeli ambassador called him and his wife, Nancy, with news of their daughter's death. But he was fond of his daughter's boyfriend, Yaron Lischinsky, and "expected" a marriage to come soon.
"We grew to love him also," Robert Milgrim said. "They were perfect for each other."
Milgrim, who said he and his wife did not know the young couple were attending the event last night, worried for their daughter only after they saw news reports with descriptions of the victims.
Sarah Milgrim had experienced antisemitism before, but she was "very strong in dealing with it," he said.
"She accepted it, understood it and tried to be a good example so that maybe there’d be less antisemitism," he said. "But it didn’t turn out very well for her."
Witness at Jewish museum thought suspect was bystander, says people checked up on him
Yoni Kalin was at the event last night at the Capital Jewish Museum before the shooting and was in the building after shots were fired. He described seeing the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, coming inside after the killings.
“We thought he was an innocent bystander,” Kalin said, adding that “a lot of people in this building were checking up on him. He was pale-faced. He looked to be in a bit of shock, which makes sense. He murdered two people. He came in. People were offering him water.”
Kalin says Rodriguez was inside for 5 to 10 minutes and went right up to police after they came inside.
“He turned himself in and said: 'I did this. I did this for Gaza.' And then he started his chant of 'Free Palestine. Intifada revolution. There’s only one solution,'” he said. But he doesn’t associate the suspect with the broader pro-Palestine movement. “He is a crazy lunatic, and I do not associate that movement with this person,” he said.
Kalin complimented the security guards for doing “a great job” but said he understood that there was less security as people left the event, saying: “Security was focused on keeping everybody safe inside. They weren’t focused on what’s happening outside.”
He didn’t know the victims personally but said he had friends who did.
“Beautiful people,” Kalin said. “They were supposed to get married this month. Kind, loving, smart people who were working and attended this event to be part of the solution, and it’s just a shame that they were murdered instead of given the opportunity to make a change in this world.”
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim pictured at her University of Kansas graduation
Milgrim in a cap and gown at her University of Kansas graduation ceremony in a photo provided by her father.
Suspect's neighbor said he 'would've talked him out of it'
Rodriguez's neighbor in Chicago, John Wayne Fry, said he had infrequent interactions with the suspect.
“He seemed like a normal, friendly guy," Fry said.
Fry, 71, said Rodriguez never discussed Palestine or Israel with him, which he said he regrets.
"I wish that I had an opportunity to talk with him, because if I had, I would've talked him out of it," Fry said.
Netanyahu calls suspect a 'terrorist'
"Yaron and Sarah weren’t the victims of a random crime. The terrorist who cruelly gunned them down did so for one reason and one reason alone — he wanted to kill Jews," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement today.
"And as he was taken away, he chanted, ‘Free Palestine!’ This is exactly the same chant we heard on Oct. 7th. On that day, thousands of terrorists stormed into Israel from Gaza. They beheaded men. They raped women. They burned babies alive. They butchered 1,200 innocent people and took 251 innocent people hostage to the dungeons of Gaza," he said.
Trump and Netanyahu have spoken, PM's office says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with Trump, according to a post to X from the prime minister's account.
"The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the efforts he and his administration are making against displays of antisemitism in the US," the post continued.
The two leaders also discussed the war in Gaza and Iran, and the post said that Trump "expressed his support for the objectives set by Prime Minister Netanyahu for releasing the hostages, bringing about the elimination of Hamas and advancing the Trump plan."
Milgrim was Jewish. Lischinsky was Christian, according to Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor.
Witnesses tell MSNBC that Rodriguez was 'pale' after shooting
Two witnesses of the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night joined MSNBC's Chris Jansing today on her show, describing interactions with the suspect, Elias Rodriguez.
Jojo Kalin, one of the event organizers who was in the museum lobby, said Rodriguez was "pale" when he entered the building, as if in "a state of shock."
Jojo Kalin initially thought Rodriguez was a bystander, asking if he was OK and handing him a cup of water before realizing who he was.
Yoni Kalin, another witness, said police entered the museum about 5 to 10 minutes after Rodriguez. According to Yoni Kalin, Rodriguez then approached the police and confessed.
Jojo Kalin said it felt "cathartic" to share the story, but has not yet fully processed the event.
Suspect will be prosecuted to 'fullest extent of the law,' White House says
Trump is "saddened and outraged" over the killings, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a press briefing.
"The Evil of anti-Semitism must be eradicated from our society. I spoke to the Attorney General this morning, the Department of Justice will be prosecuting the perpetrator responsible for this to the fullest extent of the law," Leavitt told reporters. "Hatred has no place in the United States of America under President Donald Trump. Everyone here at the White House is praying for the victims, friends and families during this unimaginable time."
Leiter says he has 'full faith in law enforcement'
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S, said Thursday that Lischinsky worked for a senior diplomat on the political division and was a "prince of a human being."
Milgrim worked in the public diplomacy wing, he said at a news conference.
Leiter said he has "full faith in law enforcement" as they continue investigating the incident.
Woman who attended event says she was 'a foot away' from suspect after shooting
Sarah Marinuzzi, who attended the Israeli Embassy event, told NBC News that she remains in shock that she was "a foot away" from Rodriguez shortly after the shooting.
She said the man told people to call the police, making others believe he was a witness to the shooting. "They had at that point, shut the doors to the museum inside and outside, so folks could not leave," she said.
Marinuzzi said that event attendees spent "10 or 15 minutes" with him. Police "obviously did not assume that the killer was inside the museum at this point," she said.
Marinuzzi said it was "haunting" to have been in contact with the suspect who had "the audacity to come in. And be in the same space as us for that amount of time before confessing."
Suspect to appear in federal court in Washington
Elias Rodriguez is expected to appear today before federal Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh for an initial appearance, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Deputy director says FBI is 'aware of certain writings allegedly authored by the suspect'
Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said in a post to X that "the FBI is aware of certain writings allegedly authored by the suspect, and we hope to have updates as to the authenticity very soon."
Bongino said that the suspect is in custody and was interviewed at approximately 1 a.m. today. He reiterated that the FBI does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.
"This is something no parent, family member, or friend should have to go through," he said. "The FBI sends our condolences and will offer our full support as the investigation continues."
CEO of Jewish Women International: Milgrim was 'the welcome hug at all Embassy events'
The CEO of Jewish Women International (JWI) recalled in an email to supporters a personal conversation she had with Milgrim shortly after Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked a friendship.
CEO Meredith Jacobs said that Milgrim told her "that she had lost her entire friend group when she joined the Embassy."
"Her support of Israel did not mesh with her friends from her graduate program in natural resources and sustainable development from the United Nations University of Peace. Somehow, supporting the environment and supporting Israel was in conflict," Jacobs said.
Jacobs recalled inviting Milgrim to participate in a JWI program "because I wanted to help her find community with other bright, young, ambitious women who also cared deeply about Israel."
Jacobs said that in the months that followed, the two became friends, adding that "she was the welcome hug at all Embassy events."
"She was to be my first WhatsApp message this morning to offer support," Jacobs said. "That is, until I learned she was one we had lost."
Jacobs said that she found "some comfort that in the 19 months since our coffee, Sarah found friends and community. Even more, she found love."
Suspect's employer says it's 'shocked and saddened' over deaths
The American Osteopathic Association said it was "shocked and saddened" over the deaths of two Israeli Embassy staff members. The suspect was an employee of the American Osteopathic Information Association, the statement said.
"As a physician organization dedicated to protecting the health and sanctity of human life, we believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence," the association said in the statement. "We extend our deepest sympathy to the victims’ loved ones, wishing them peace, comfort and strength during this unimaginably difficult time."
Israeli ambassador to Germany remembers Lischinsky as his ‘bright, curious, engaged’ master’s student
Ron Prosor, the Israeli ambassador to Germany, shared in a post to X that he remembers Lischinsky as his "bright, curious, engaged" master’s student. Lischinsky held a German passport.
Prosor said that Lischinsky "embodied the Judeo-Christian values and set an example for young people worldwide."
"This didn’t happen in a warzone. It happened in the capital of the free world, in the heart of Washington D.C.," he continued. "Chanting ‘Free Palestine’ is not just a slogan, it’s a call to action to target Jews wherever they are."
Capital Jewish Museum calls killings an 'act of horrific antisemitic violence'
The Capital Jewish Museum said it was "heartbroken" by the loss of Lishinsky and Milgrim, calling their killings an "act of horrific antisemitic violence."
"This tragedy is devastating. Such acts of terror attempt to instill fear, silence voices, and erase history — but we refuse to let them succeed," executive director Beatrice Gurwitz said in a Thursday statement.
"The Capital Jewish Museum was built to tell the centuries-old story of the greater Washington region’s vibrant Jewish community. We are proud to tell these stories of Jewish life. In our work, we share Jewish stories in the service of building bridges and opening dialogue in our beautiful city," the statement added.
Gurwitz said they are working to reopen the museum in the coming days with security in place.
Attorney General Pam Bondi: 'It's a horrible day'
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the shooting, saying on Fox News, "It's a horrible day."
Bondi said that the "violence has to stop," and she emphasized that the investigation was ongoing.
"Our job now is to be sure justice is served. And it will be served under Donald Trump," she said.
During her Fox News interview and a subsequent Q&A with reporters, Bondi declined to answer most questions about the ongoing investigation. She said that from what her team knows at this point, the suspect acted alone.
Friend and colleague of Sarah Milgrim remembers her as 'a young, passionate, and brilliant environmental advocate'
A friend and colleague of Sarah Milgrim remembers her as "a young, passionate, and brilliant environmental advocate" who was "deeply committed to building a more peaceful and sustainable world."
"Just eight days ago, I spoke with her about an upcoming climate initiative. She was full of energy and optimism," Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi, co-founder of the Mizrahi Family Charitable Fund, said in a Thursday email addressed to friends and colleagues. "Recently, I attended an Earth Day event she organized, which featured Israeli environmental nonprofit leaders. Her leadership shone through—bright, compassionate, and determined."
Laszlo Mizrahi said that Milgrim "embodied the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world."
"May their memories be a blessing and a call to action—for peace, for justice, and for protecting life on this planet," she said.
Jewish Democratic Council of America CEO: 'This attack is our worst nightmare'
Halie Soifer, the CEO for the Jewish Democratic Council of America, said in a statement that the JDCA is "horrified and heartbroken following the antisemitic attack."
"For those who have been warning about rising antisemitic rhetoric and beliefs manifesting into violence, this attack is our worst nightmare, and we must do everything we can to protect Jewish institutions and Jews in the United States, who should not have to live in fear," Soifer said.
She added that "we renew our resolve and commitment to a future where all people, regardless of faith or background, can live free from violence and hatred."
Netanyahu speaks to victims' families
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with the parents of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim today, his office said in a post on X.
It added that “the Prime Minister told the families that he shares in their profound grief, along with the entire people of Israel.”
FBI agents seen at the suspected shooter's address in Chicago
Reporting from CHICAGO
Multiple armed officers wearing clothing with large FBI lettering were seen this morning at an address in Chicago that's tied to Elias Rodriguez, the man suspected of shooting two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington.
Video footage showed them heading inside, while outside, multiple cameras swarmed the premises. A man in a black Chevy SUV told NBC News' crew on the ground that he was from the FBI.
NYPD sending heavy weapons officers to Jewish places of worship
The NYPD is sending its heavy weapons teams, the Critical Response Command, to Jewish houses of worship and other sensitive locations in the city in response to last night’s shooting in Washington, a senior NYC law enforcement official says.
While law enforcement believes that the suspect in D.C. acted alone, there is always a concern that individuals may act out following such attacks.
CRC is a highly trained unit that specializes in these types of security scenarios. They are armed with M4 semiautomatic rifles and are specifically prepared for active shooter terrorism situations.
A 'senseless act of violence,' says Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center chair
Alan Mindel, the chairman of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, New York, condemned the shooting, calling it “tragic” and “horrific.”
“A soon-to-be-engaged couple was murdered in cold blood,” the chair of the Holocaust awareness and education center said in a statement.
Expressing condolences to the victims and their families, Mindel said “our hearts are heavy with grief and outrage over this senseless act of violence,” adding that the incident highlighted the “pervasive Jew hatred that continues to afflict our society.”
“We demand that, once and for all, our country stop the onslaught of antisemitism that has affected the lives of its Jewish citizens due to our government’s failure to address this hatred,” he added.
Leading U.S. rabbi says Jews across the world are 'increasingly vulnerable'
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said that he mourned the death of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky and that across the world "our Jewish community is increasingly vulnerable."
Jacob said, referring to the suspect shouting "Free Palestine" as he was being arrested, that "murdering Jews is not an act of freedom fighting; it is an act of terror that should prompt condemnation by people of conscience across the political spectrum."
Vance condemns the shooting
Vice President JD Vance in a post on X said his “heart breaks for the two Jews who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum.”
“Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States,” he added.
Johnson condemns attack as 'horrific'
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned last night's shooting, calling it a "horrific attack, obviously an antisemitic attack."
"I have several Jewish colleagues here that are dear friends who came up to me. We spoke about that in the wee hours of the morning, and how jarring it is for them and for all of us, and it reminds us that we’ve got to be very careful," Johnson said. "We got to watch out for one another, and we have to stand against antisemitism."
The speaker said that "our hearts and our prayers go out to those families that were affected."
"That’s not what we stand for in America. That is not what anybody in this Congress condones," he said. "We don’t condone any type of antisemitism, and the more we stand together and decry that, the better."
Shooting victim Yaron Lischinsky had a German passport
Yaron Lischinsky, who was shot dead last night, held a German passport, a German diplomatic source confirmed to NBC News.
Lischinksy on his LinkedIn page wrote that he moved to Israel at the age of 16 from Nuremburg, Germany. He later relocated to Washington to work for the Israeli embassy.
In an earlier post on X, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the attack “despicable.”
Suspect said, 'I did it. I did it for Gaza,' witness recalls
The suspect in the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers said after the shooting, "I did it for Gaza," according to a witness.
Katie Kalisher, a 29-year-old jewelry designer who witnessed last night's shooting, told Reuters she was at the Capital Jewish Museum to listen to a panel on humanitarian aid in Gaza, minutes before gunshots were heard outside at about 9 p.m. local time.
“We didn’t really understand what’s going on,” Kalisher said.
Shortly after the shooting, a man who “looked very scared” came inside. “We thought that he was just in the street ... and maybe [he] came into the building because he wanted to be somewhere safe,” she said.
Kalisher said that in an attempt to calm him down, she and others began helping the man and talking to him. When he asked what kind of museum they were inside, she told him it was a Jewish museum, she said. The suspect then appeared to be confused.
“He asked me, 'Do you think that that’s why they did it?'” referring to the gunshots that they had heard.
“It took me a second,” she said, adding that she told him, “I don’t think that’s why, I’m sure it’s unrelated.”
She said that the man then pulled out a keffiyeh, a traditional black and white scarf worn by Arabic communities that has been linked with the pro-Palestinian movement, revealing himself to be the suspected shooter.
“He pulls out his keffiyeh and he says, ‘I did it. I did it for Gaza. Free, free Palestine,’” before the police came inside and arrested the man, Kalisher said. Police identified the suspect as Elias Rodriguez.
Kalisher added that afterward, the crowd was moved away from the windows and doors for safety while police officers swarmed inside with guns. “It just felt really surreal,” she said.
Museum event focused on bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, attendees says
The museum event at which two Israeli Embassy staff were killed was focused on bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza, an aid group has said.
“We, and all the attendees, gathered in the interest of finding practical solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” IsraAID, an independent Israel-based aid group, said in a statement.
“The brutal and tragic irony that such an event — motivated by humanitarian principles — was targeted for more violence is heartbreaking,” it said. “We unequivocally condemn this attack.”
Children in Gaza, who make up about half of the region’s population, are facing the “worst humanitarian crisis” since October 2023, including the growing risk of starvation, illness and death due to ongoing bombardments, forced displacement and the aid blockade, according to the United Nations.
Shooting victim Yaron Lischinsky pictured with Israeli president Herzog
A picture has emerged of shooting victim Yaron Lischinsky alongside the president of Israel, Isaac Herzog, during his visit to Washington in November 2024.
Lischinsky was killed in Washington last night alongside Sarah Milgrim.
Museum event organizer says 'I was actually looking evil in the eye'
The organizer of the event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington last night said she spoke to the man suspected of killing two people moments after the shooting — without realizing he would be accused of carrying out the attack.
Speaking to NBC News’ international partner, Sky News, Jojo Drake Kalin said she mistook the suspected shooter for a bystander when he entered the building, offering him water because he seemed “distraught.”
“I actually offered and gave him water, unbeknownst to me that I was actually looking evil in the eye,” Kalin said. “There was commotion and a frenzy, but no one was aware of lives lost.”
Moments later, police arrived on scene to arrest the suspect, named as Elias Rodriguez.
Kalin said the Young Diplomats reception was focused on the theme, “turning pain into purpose,” with the aim of bringing together young professionals, both Jewish and non-Jewish, to talk about bridge-building in the Middle East and North Africa region.
“We were wanting to counter the us-versus-them narrative,” she said. “It’s painfully ironic that at a time we were speaking about bridge building, somebody came in with such hate and destruction.”
Israel's foreign minister 'very worried' there will be more attacks against diplomats
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said today that he is “very worried” that attacks similar to the shooting will occur at Israeli embassies.
“I’m very worried,” Sa’ar told reporters at a briefing in Jerusalem. “I want to tell you that during the last months and weeks, we had a couple of incidents in several embassies.”
Some of the attacks were even “not reported,” he added, and they happened “mainly in Europe.”
British police said last month that they had arrested and charged a man with a terrorism offense after he allegedly tried to break into the Israeli embassy in London with a bladed weapon.
Israel said at the time that none of its embassy staff members were harmed and the building didn’t suffer any damage.
Israelis concerned about their safety abroad after Washington shooting
Some Israeli citizens are concerned over their safety abroad after the shooting of Israeli diplomats in Washington, D.C.
“I’m an Israeli and it makes me feel like I’m afraid ... to go abroad,” Aviya Levi, a 30-year-old resident of Jerusalem, said in an interview with the Reuters news agency.
“I have kids. It’s just going to make me afraid,” she added.
The shooting proved that “antisemitism and anti-Israeli, it’s basically the same,” another Jerusalem resident, 39-year-old Udi Tsemach, told Reuters, adding, “They didn’t choose the Israeli embassy. It’s a Jewish museum, which means the hatred for Jews and the hatred to Israel both aligned.”
Ziv Halsband, 32, said he woke up to this “terrible news” in Jerusalem, adding that Jewish people around the world need to protect themselves. “We hope that Trump will continue to help us and to protect us all, especially in the States,” Halsband said, adding, “We want to be sure that we can go all over to all over the world with confidence.”
In the town of Bet Shemesh, 52-year-old Tamri Gilad echoed the sentiments. “Just to be Jewish is a problem today, it’s very sad,” he said.
Israel's foreign minister accuses European leaders of 'modern blood libels' that led to the shooting
Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar today slammed European officials for helping to spread resentment against Jews with “blood libels” in the wake of the Oct. 7 terror attack in Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.
He said in a speech in Jerusalem today that this “toxic” resentment towards Jews led directly to the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington D.C. last night.
The phrase “blood libel” has historically been used to falsely accuse Jews of using the blood of Christians in religious rituals and often forms the basis of antisemitic conspiracy theories.
“There is a direct line connecting antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement to this murder. This incitement is propagated even by leaders and officials of many countries and international organizations, particularly in Europe,” Sa’ar said at a press conference according to a transcript provided by his office.
“These words are modern blood libels. Libels about genocide, crimes against humanity, and the murder of babies have paved the way for such acts of violence,” he said.
He urged such world leaders to stop their “false accusations” but “strengthen Israel in its historic battle against the axis of evil in the Middle East” instead.
Sa’ar declined to comment directly on whether the joint statement by France, the U.K. and Canada opposing the “expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza” could lead to this kind of violent action.
“I think I said very clear things,” he said when pressed by a reporter.
Earlier, Sa’ar called the shooting “a shocking terrorist attack” in a post on X, and added that he had spoken to Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel about the ongoing intensive investigation.
European leaders respond to D.C. shooting
European Union foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said she was “shocked” by the news of the DC shooting in a post on X, adding, “There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the “heinous act in the strongest possible terms,” in a post on X, adding, “at this point, we must assume an anti-Semitic motive.”
In Britain, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “horrified by the killing of two Israeli embassy staff” in a post on X, calling it an “appalling, antisemitic crime,”
In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot called it “an abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity” in a post on X and said that “nothing can justify such violence.”
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a post on X that “anti-Semitism must be stopped, past atrocities cannot return.”
In Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in a post on X sent his condolences to the Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Their reactions come as Sa’ar, speaking to the press in Washington D.C. earlier, said that European leaders had incited “antisemitic terrorism” that led to Israeli missions becoming targets, days after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a joint statement with French President Emmanuel Macron, in which they called Israel’s renewed military offensive in Gaza “wholly disproportionate.”
Simon Wiesenthal Center CEO calls attack a 'depraved act of antisemitic terrorism'
The fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington last night was not a “random act of violence” but a “depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” the CEO of the Simon Wiesenthal Center said.
“The fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., tonight was not a random act of violence,” Jim Berk said in an emailed statement early today.
“It was a targeted assault on Israeli diplomats and the Jewish community in the very heart of the nation’s capital, and it must be recognized for what it is: a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.”
Museum event focused on bringing together young Jewish professionals
The event at the Capital Jewish Museum, which sits on 3rd and F Streets in Northwest in central Washington, was a cocktail reception for young diplomats and professionals.
It was organized by the American Jewish Committee, a Jewish advocacy group that stands up for Israel and confronts antisemitism, according to its website.
Israeli embassies put on 'high alert' after shooting
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations told CNN that Israeli embassies had been put on "high alert" after the shooting in DC.
It came after an earlier statement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he had directed security to be increased at Israeli missions around the world and for the state's representatives.
Victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were young professionals in Washington
The victims of the DC shooting, identified by the Israeli government in a post on X as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, both worked at the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C.
The two were an engaged couple, the Israeli U.N. envoy, Danny Danon, told CNN earlier.
Lischinsky worked as a research assistant on Middle East and North African affairs at the Embassy’s Political Department, according to his LinkedIn page. He graduated with a Master’s degree from Reichman University in Herzliya, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. A fluent speaker in English, Hebrew, and German, he moved to Jerusalem from Nuremberg, Germany, at the age of 16.
“I’m an ardent believer in the vision that was outlined in the Abraham Accords and believe that expanding the circle of peace with our Arab neighbors and pursuing regional cooperation is in the best interest of the State of Israel and the Middle East as a whole,” Lischinsky wrote on his LinkedIn page.
Sarah Lynn Milgrim worked in the Department of public diplomacy, according to her LinkedIn page. She graduated with a Master’s degree in international affairs from American University, and another Master’s in natural resources and sustainable development from the University for Peace. Prior the working at the embassy, Milgrim worked with Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv, where she conducted research on peacebuilding and grassroots initiatives in the Israeli-Palestinian region.
“My passion lies at the intersection of peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work,” Milgrim wrote on her LinkedIn page.
Video footage from the scene shows the suspect being taken away chanting 'Free Palestine'
A video clip taken by an attendee at the Capital Jewish Museum on Thursday and shared on social media shows the suspected gunman being led out of the building while shouting "Free, free Palestine."
Israeli Embassy identifies victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim: ‘They were our friends and colleagues’
The Israeli Embassy in Washington and the the country's government has identified the victims of the shooting as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
Calling them friends and colleagues, the embassy said on X that they were “in the prime of their lives.”
“The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder,” it said, adding, “Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”
The official @Israel X account, run by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the full names of the couple and added: "Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts — defending the country with their very lives."
‘We will follow the facts’: Bondi speaks out after Israeli Embassy staffers are killed
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the suspect “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Netanyahu says shooting shows 'terrible cost' of antisemitism
Netanyahu’s office said he was “outraged” by the “horrifying antisemitic murder” in Washington.
“We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic murderer,” he added.
Netanyahu said he had spoken with Attorney General Pam Bondi and directed that security be increased at Israeli missions around the world and for the country’s representatives.
Israeli ambassador: 'We are a resilient people'
Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said that Israelis and Americans are “resilient” people and that he believed authorities would “bring justice” for tonight’s shooting.
“We are a resilient people. The people of Israel are resilient people. The people of the United States of America are resilient people. Together, we won’t be afraid. Together, we’ll stand and we’re going to overcome moral depravity of people who think that they’re going to achieve political gains through murder,” Leiter said.
Israeli president: 'This is a despicable act of hatred'
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “devastated” by the scenes in Washington.
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy,” he said on X.
“Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured. I send my full support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff. We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the U.S.,” he continued.
“America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”
U.S. officials condemn shooting and offer condolences
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attack “a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence.”
“Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice,” he said on X.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., who is Jewish, called the shooting “sickening,” adding that it “seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism which as we know is all too rampant in our society.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said he was “monitoring the situation” and added that he was “lifting up the victim’s families in our prayers.”
Organizers of museum event call shooting a 'shocking act of violence'
The two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed while leaving a sold-out Young Diplomats reception at the Capital Jewish Museum organized by the American Jewish Committee.
“This is a shocking act of violence and our community is holding each other tighter tonight,” AJC Chief Executive Ted Deutch said in a statement. “At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel.”
“It strongly appears that this was an attack motivated by hate against the Jewish people and the Jewish state,” he said. “This senseless hate and violence must stop.”
Suspect chanted 'Free, free Palestine' while in custody, police say
The victims appear to have been exiting an event at the Capital Jewish Museum at the corner of 3rd and F streets in northwest Washington, Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said.
Before the shooting, which took place around 9 p.m. local time, the suspect was seen pacing back and forth outside the museum, Smith said. He approached a group of four people and opened fire on them with a handgun, striking both of the people who died.
The suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security, Smith said. Once he was in custody, the suspect told officials where he had discarded the weapon and "implied" that he had committed the offense. He chanted "Free, free Palestine" while in custody, Smith said.
Smith said the suspect had been tentatively identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago.
Trump offers his condolences to victims' families
President Donald Trump offered his condolences to the victims’ families.
“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. So sad that such things as this can happen!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also spoke on the phone with Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, pledging to do everything possible to help.
Leiter said at a news conference that, on the way there, Attorney General Pam Bondi handed him a phone with Trump on the line.
Trump "told me that his administration is going to do everything it can possibly do to fight and end antisemitism and the hatred that’s being directed — the demonization and delegitimization of the State of Israel,” Leiter said.
Shooting victims were a couple, Israeli ambassador says
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, said the man and woman shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum were a couple and that they were about to be engaged next week.
“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center,” Leiter said.
Two Israeli Embassy staffers shot dead outside D.C.’s Capital Jewish Museum
Two staff members of Israel’s embassy in Washington, D.C., were shot dead outside the city’s Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, officials said.
The suspect shouted “Free, free Palestine” while in police custody and “implied” that he committed the shooting, Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said. The suspect was identified as Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago.
In custody, he told authorities where he discarded the weapon, Smith said. Mayor Muriel Bowser said there was no longer an active threat to the community after the arrest.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations called the incident a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”