WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot Wednesday night near the Capital Jewish Museum in what officials are calling a targeted and antisemitic act of violence.

The victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and his girlfriend Sarah Milgrim, who was also a staff member at the embassy.

Yaron had reportedly bought a ring and was planning to propose next week in Jerusalem.

The shooting occurred during a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an event intended to bring together Jewish professionals and diplomatic staff.

Authorities responded to reports of gunfire just after the event began, and witnesses described a man pacing outside the museum before suddenly approaching a group and opening fire.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the suspect — Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago — approached a small group outside the museum, produced a handgun, and fired at close range, striking both victims.

After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum where he was quickly detained by on-site security personnel.

While in custody, he reportedly shouted “Free, Free Palestine!” and directed authorities to the discarded weapon.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths, calling the killings “senseless” and “deeply troubling.”

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, in coordination with local authorities, is leading the investigation and is examining the incident as a potential act of antisemitic terrorism.

Yaron Lischinsky, a political officer at the Israeli Embassy, held a master’s degree in Government, Diplomacy & Strategy from Reichman University and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Hebrew University.

On his professional page, Lischinsky wrote that he was “an ardent believer in the vision outlined in the Abraham Accords” and actively promoted interfaith dialogue and regional cooperation in the Middle East.

Lischinsky was known and respected within Israel’s Messianic Jewish community, where his father is a member of a congregation in Jerusalem.

According to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter, Lischinsky had recently purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to his partner in Jerusalem next week.

In a statement, Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, said the two victims were shot “at close range” and described the attack as a premeditated act of terror. The ambassador was not present at the event or the location when the shooting occurred.

The tragedy has prompted widespread condemnation from both U.S. and Israeli officials. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed condolences, calling the killings “obviously based on antisemitism,” and declared that “hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the attack “a despicable act of hatred and antisemitism,” and vowed that the U.S. and Israel would “stand united in defense of our people and our shared values.”

American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch released a statement confirming the organization was hosting the event at the time of the shooting. “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he said. “Our hearts are with those who were harmed and their families.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro were present at the crime scene shortly after the shooting. Bondi confirmed she had spoken with President Trump multiple times that evening as the investigation unfolded.

Authorities are continuing to examine Rodriguez’s motive and background, with strong indications that the shooting was ideologically driven. No additional suspects are being sought at this time.

The Israeli Embassy, the State Department, and Jewish community organizations are coordinating to provide support for the victims’ families and embassy personnel. Funeral arrangements for Lischinsky are being made in coordination with Israeli authorities.