They Were A Young Couple: Details Emerged About Israeli Diplomats Killed In The U.S.

• 22.05.2025, 14:06

The Israeli embassy gave their names.

The Israeli embassy has released the names of its employees shot dead in Washington, and police have revealed some details about the alleged killer of the Israelis.

As Newsweek writes, it has been determined that a young couple - Jaron Lishchinsky and Sarah Milgrim - were shot dead in Washington on Wednesday evening. According to Israel's ambassador to the United States, Yehiel Leiter, Lishchinsky had planned to propose to his beloved next week in Jerusalem. It was for such an occasion that he had bought an engagement ring for Milgrim the day before.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was "shocked" by the events and ordered increased security measures at all Israeli diplomatic missions abroad.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said, "We are shocked and appalled by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that took the lives of two employees of our embassy in Washington - Yaron Lishchinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim."

"The embassy noted that the couple was 'in the prime of life' before being shot outside the Jewish Museum building," the media outlet said.

According to Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith, the tragedy occurred as the young men were leaving an event at the museum. At that time, the intruder - 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago - approached the group of four and opened fire.

Smith said that after he was apprehended, he shouted, "Freedom for Palestine!".

Smith also noted that the man was visibly nervous and walking near the museum building before the shooting.

One eyewitness inside the museum told WAGA-TV that the man ran inside the building after the shooting, but people did not immediately realize it was the murder suspect.

"The security guard let him in. Apparently thought he needed help - he was wet from the rain, was in shock, looked traumatized. People in attendance gave him water, sat him down, asked, "Are you OK? Were you shot? What happened?" And he replied, "Call the police," - said the eyewitness.

It is noted that law enforcers arrived about 10 minutes later. Upon seeing them, the intruder said: "I did it," raised his hands and added: "I am unarmed."

Then he pulled a red kufiyeh from his pocket and began shouting, "Freedom for Palestine," "There is only one solution - intifada, revolution."