Official condemnation of Wednesday night’s murder of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. was swift, as politicians, organization heads and world leaders expressed their horror at the gunning down of a young couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
The two victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues,” the Israeli embassy tweeted. “They were in the prime of their lives.”
U.S. President Donald Trump, posting to Truth Social, said, “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!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted to X, “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of two staff members from the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC.
“Our prayers are with their loved ones. This was a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence. Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice,” he said.
U.S. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) called the shooting “horrific,” urging U.S. law enforcement to “use every tool” to “prosecute these evil criminals.”
Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, wrote on X, “Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.”
“The U.S. must continue to stand with our most precious ally Israel and work to eradicate this vile antisemitism raging in our streets and around the world,” she added.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi visited the scene. She said all levels of government “will be doing everything in our power to keep all citizens safe, especially tonight, our Jewish community.” With her was former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the interim U.S. attorney in the nation’s capital and would prosecute the case.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-L.A.), tweeted,” We are monitoring the situation as more details become known and lifting up the victim’s families in our prayers.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “This sickening shooting seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism, which as we know is all too rampant in our society.”
American Jewish Committee CEO Ted Deutch, whose organization hosted the event outside which the shooting took place, said, “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue.”
The shooter, Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” as he was taken into police custody.
“Prior to the shooting, the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire,” Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “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.”