Crime
Victims of Pro-Palestinian Terror Attack in Washington Identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim
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.
Crime
Agent Nic Graham Dies After Being Shot in Lakewood Police Shootout With Suspect Gabriel Garcia on RTD Bus
LAKEWOOD, Colorado — A Lakewood police agent who was critically wounded during a shootout with a suspect aboard an RTD bus has died, authorities confirmed. The fallen officer was identified as Nic Graham, a member of the Lakewood Police Department since 2019.
Graham was among four police agents injured Thursday evening when an armed confrontation erupted near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard. A civilian bystander was also struck by gunfire.
The shooting followed a police search for a suspect connected to a hit-and-run crash reported earlier in the day.
Police said the incident initially began shortly before 3:45 p.m. Thursday, following a hit-and-run collision near Kipling Street and West 13th Avenue in Lakewood.
Witnesses told investigators that the suspect ran away almost immediately after the crash. However, they provided officers with a description that helped police identify and search for the individual.
Lakewood Police Public Information Agent John Romero said witnesses were able to give officers a useful description of the person who fled the scene.
Several hours later, at approximately 6:30 p.m., a Lakewood police agent recognized the individual boarding an RTD bus near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.
Officers approached the suspect at approximately 6:32 p.m. Police said the individual opened fire on officers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Responding officers returned fire, striking the suspect. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene and was identified as Gabriel Garcia.
Garcia was reportedly on parole when the shooting occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Four Lakewood police agents suffered gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Their injuries ranged from serious to critical, and all four were transported to nearby hospitals.
Despite receiving emergency medical treatment, Graham later died from his injuries.
One civilian bystander was also hit by gunfire and hospitalized. The person’s condition had not been publicly disclosed as of Friday afternoon.
Hospital updates released Friday morning indicated that two agents treated at Denver Health Medical Center had been released. Another remained hospitalized, while officials had not provided a complete update on the remaining injured individuals.
Graham began serving with the Lakewood Police Department in 2019 after graduating from the police academy.
Throughout his law enforcement career, he contributed to criminal investigations and earned recognition for his work.
One of his notable achievements came in 2023, when he received the department’s Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his contributions to investigations targeting gang members.
Police Chief Philip Smith paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his dedication, compassion and commitment to helping others.
Chief Smith said Graham demonstrated those qualities throughout his career, from his early days on patrol to his investigative work.
His death has left the department and the wider Lakewood community grieving the loss of an officer who dedicated his career to public service.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
The shooting resulted in the death of suspect Gabriel Garcia, the fatal injury of Agent Nic Graham, injuries to three additional police agents and a civilian bystander.
Officials have not released a final investigative account of the incident. Further updates are expected as investigators establish the complete sequence of events.