Two staff members from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., around 9:10 p.m. Wednesday by a man reportedly shouting “Free Palestine,” according to police.

The attack took place during the Young Diplomats Reception, an event for young Jewish professionals hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The victims, identified by an Israeli embassy spokesman as Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgram, 26, were shot at close range.

Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.

This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC.

The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr

— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) May 22, 2025

D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that both victims were pronounced dead at the scene after being shot by 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, who is now in custody.

“The suspect chanted free, free Palestine while in custody,” Smith said. “The suspect is 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.”

The FBI said there is “no ongoing threat to public safety” in a statement.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on Thursday night. “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! God Bless You ALL!”

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she was on the scene of the “horrible shooting,” where she was joined by D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeannine Pirro after the incident.

Speaking at the news conference, Bondi said the suspect Rodriguez will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“We’ll be doing everything in our power to keep all citizens safe — especially tonight, our Jewish community,” Bondi said. “Our prayers go out.”

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, stated that Lischinsky and Milgram were about to become engaged.

“The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of free Palestine is a couple that was about to be engaged,” he said. “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.”