Two Israeli Embassy Workers Killed Outside Jewish Museum In DC
Two Israeli embassy workers were killed on May 21, near the Jewish Capital Museum in Washington DC.
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The head of the Jewish organization that hosted an event in Washington where two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot described the tragedy as a “shocking act of violence” and said members of the Jewish community were “holding each other tighter tonight.”
American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch, in a statement issued early Thursday, thanked President Donald Trump, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and law enforcement for their swift action and support.
“It strongly appears that this was an attack motivated by hate against the Jewish people and the Jewish state,” Deutch said. “This senseless hate and violence must stop.”
The embassy staff members were shot May 21 at about 9 p.m. as they exited the Capital Jewish Museum after the AJC’s annual Young Diplomats reception, authorities and officials said. Police received calls reporting a shooting shortly after 9 p.m. ET, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. Investigators believe one shooter was behind the attack, she said.
Smith said the suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine,” after being taken into custody by event security.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were locally employed staff, the Israeli foreign ministry said. They were both trying to promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, separate advocacy groups each belonged to said.
Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., said Lischinsky had “purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.”
Contributing: Reuters