The suspected gunman accused of murdering two Israeli diplomats on Wednesday night allegedly chanted “free, free Palestine” while in the custody of law enforcement officials. The shooting occurred at an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
While updating the media about the murders, Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith provided the name of the suspect, Elias Rodriquez, and chronicled the events leading up to the shooting. She said he shot at four people before killing the man and woman whose identities were not initially released, according to reports.
Early Thursday morning, the victims were identified as Israeli Embassy staff members Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
“Prior to the shooting, a suspect was observed pacing outside of the museum,” Smith said.
“The suspect chanted, ‘free, free Palestine,’ while in custody. The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriquez of Chicago, Illinois,” Smith added.
She said the victims were about to be engaged, with the male victim recently purchasing a wedding ring and planning to propose during a visit to Jerusalem.
“The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of ‘free Palestine’ was a couple about to be engaged,” Smith said.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, said the victims were shot and killed “at close range,” the Times of Israel reported.
Attorney General Pam Bondi visited the crime scene shortly after the news of the murders. She and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro detailed the incident at a press conference. Pirro will prosecute the case. Bondi condemned the act of violence.
Bondi posted about the shooting on her X account and said she is praying for the victims.
Earlier in the night, Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon also condemned the attack, calling it a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” in a post on X.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) also commented about the attack, saying the “free Palestine” mantra is now associated with “terrorism.”
TWO KILLED IN SHOOTING OUTSIDE CAPITAL JEWISH MUSEUM
“‘Free Palestine’ isn’t resistance,” Mace said. “It’s terrorism. And it’s being fueled by cowards who excuse it with cheap slogans and scarves.”
“I support all Jews and the state of Israel,” she added. “‘May their memory be a blessing.’”
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs posted a tribute to Lischinsky and Milgrim on its X account on Thursday morning.
“We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim,” said the post. “May their memory be a blessing. We embrace the grieving families during this painful time and will continue to support them always. Israeli diplomats and representatives around the world stand on the frontlines of Israel’s diplomatic efforts — defending the country with their very lives. We will not be deterred by terror. We will continue our mission across the globe, with unwavering commitment to represent Israel with pride.”