US Washington DC Shooting: 2 Israeli embassy staff killed, Netanyahu says security heightened at country's missions

Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot on Wednesday evening as they were leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, the police said.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the victims, a man and a woman, were part of a group of four individuals exiting the Capital Jewish Museum when a suspect approached and opened fire.

Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, has been identified as a suspect. He was seen pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting, walked into the museum after the incident and the event security detained him, Smith added, according to AP.

An eyewitness John Elleson told the Sky News that the Washington DC shooting was “terrible”, stating, “He went right up to them — it looked like he knew them.”

Who were the victims?

Israeli officials identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel.

Washington DC Shooting LIVE: What did Donald Trump say?

"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” Trump posted on social media on early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA," he said

Israel accuses Europe of ‘antisemitic incitement’

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused unnamed European officials on Thursday of "toxic antisemitic incitement" he blamed for a hostile climate in which the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington took place.

“There is a direct line connecting antisemitic and anti-Israel incitement to this murder…This incitement is also done by leaders and officials of many countries and organisations, especially from Europe,” he said at a press conference. 

Suspect being questioned by FBI

Deputy FBI Director Don Bongino said the suspect was being interviewed by the police and the FBI.

"Early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence," he said in a post on X. "Our FBI team is fully engaged and we will get you answers as soon as we can, without compromising additional leads."

Israeli embassy in New Delhi issues statement

The Israel Embassy in Delhi in a statement on X said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic and brutal murder of our colleagues, Yaron Lischinsky and his fiance Sarah Milgram, this morning in Washington DC. Israel stands united against terror. Terror will not deter us from continuing to represent our country with pride.”

PM Netanyahu announces stricter security at Israeli embassies worldwide

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced heightened security at Israeli embassies worldwide following the fatal shooting of two embassy staffers outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.

“We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost,” he said on X.

‘We will not tolerate this violence or hate’: Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser

“We're going to stand together as a community in the coming days and weeks to send the clear message that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism. The horrific incident is going to frighten a lot of people in our city, and in our country. I want to be clear that we will not tolerate this violence or hate,” Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser informed media, AFP reported.

Israeli UN Ambassador to the US Danny Danon reacts

“We have a strong community, and I am confident they will continue to stand firmly in support of Israel,” Sky News quoted Israeli UN Ambassador to the US Danny Danon as saying.

‘Israel will not surrender to terror’: Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar

“Horrified by this morning's terrorist attack, in which two of our embassy staff in Washington D.C. were murdered. Israeli representatives around the world are constantly exposed to heightened risk, especially in these times. We are in close contact with American authorities. Israel will not surrender to terror,” Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog ‘devastated’ by the scenes in Washington

“I am devastated by the scenes in Washington DC. This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy. 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," Herzog said.

He added, "We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US. America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us.”

Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA, says US President Donald Trump

US President Donald J. Trump in a post on Truth Social said that these “horrible killing” are based on antisemitism. He noted, “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! God Bless You all!”

British FM says 'horrified' by US shooting

British Foreign Minister David Lammy on Thursday said he was "horrified" after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington.

"We condemn this appalling, anti-Semitic crime. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and colleagues at this awful time," he said on X.