News | International
24 May 2025 5:34
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • News
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > International

    What we know about Washington DC shooting that killed young couple outside Jewish museum

    Israel has identified the two victims, who were a young couple, and the suspect will be interrogated on Thursday morning.

    23 May 2025

    Two Israeli embassy members had been shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.

    The Embassy of Israel to the USA has confirmed that the two victims were a young couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

    Here is what we know about the shooting and the world's reaction to it.

    What has happened?

    The two victims were shot and killed when they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum about 9:15pm on Wednesday, local time.

    The museum is located about 2 kilometres from the White House.

    [map]

    Pamela Smith, the Washington Police Department chief, said the shooter was seen pacing back and forth near the museum before the shooting.

    She said he shot at a group of four people with a handgun.

    After the shooting, the suspect entered the museum and was detained by event security.

    "Once in handcuffs, the suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered, and he implied that he committed the offence," Ms Smith told reporters.

    "The suspect chanted, 'Free, free Palestine', while in custody."

    She added that the suspect, who was a lone gunman, had no previous contact with police.

    The police chief said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community.

    Who are the victims?

    The two victims have been identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

    "The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder," the embassy said on a post.

    "No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss."

    [embassy post]

    Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, said the victims were "a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural centre".

    "The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend," he said.

    Former Israeli ambassador to the US Mike Herzog told Israeli Army Radio that the woman killed was an American employee of the embassy and the man was Israeli.

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had heard one of the two victims killed was possibly a German citizen, Reuters reported. 

    What do we know about the suspect?

    The suspect has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, who comes from Chicago.

    It was not immediately clear whether Mr Rodriguez had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

    He will be interviewed by DC's Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI early on Thursday.

    The US attorney in Washington will prosecute the case.

    What has been the reaction?

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken with the parents of Yaron and Sarah, saying "he shares their deep sorrow along with the entire Israeli people".

    Mr Netanyahu also spoke with US Attorney-General Pam Bondi, who promised that the suspect and all those who collaborated with him would be brought to justice, and that the American administration would continue to fight firmly against antisemitism.

    "We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against the state of Israel. The blood libels against Israel are rising in blood and must be fought to the bitter end," Mr Netanyahu said in a statement.

    He said security would be stepped up at Israeli embassies around the world.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused unnamed European officials of "toxic antisemitic incitement" that he blamed for a hostile climate in which the fatal shooting of the couple occurred.

    "This is a direct result of toxic antisemitic incitement against Israel and Jews around the world that has been going on since the October 7 massacre," he said.

    Mr Saar did not name any countries or officials but said the climate of hostility towards Israel was behind the shooting.

    US President Donald Trump has also condemned the shooting.

    "These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" Mr Trump said on the Truth Social platform.

    "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA."

    German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed his shock at the killing, saying, "Nothing can justify antisemitic violence."

    ABC/ wires

    © 2025 ABC, NZCity


     Other International News
     23 May: Why scheduling sex doesn't always improve intimacy
     23 May: Marsh hits maiden IPL century as eliminated Lucknow Super Giants stun Gujarat Titans
     23 May: French Open serves up tough draw for 15-strong Australian contingent
     23 May: Who are Kneecap and why has a member been charged with terrorism?
     23 May: Israeli leaders blame Europe after embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC
     23 May: New Zealand and the US debate the question: Should public money fund charter schools?
     23 May: Travel influencer or spy? India arrests YouTuber over 'suspicious' trips to Pakistan
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    The Highlanders are determined to come away with points when they visit the Crusaders' 22 in tonight's Super Rugby Pacific showdown in Christchurch More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Rents have dropped around the country for a second month More...



     Today's News

    Law and Order:
    A team of 20 investigators are now looking into the unexplained death of a 3-year-old girl in Kaikohe 4:36

    Soccer:
    Auckland FC may be heading into the biggest match in the club's short history, but there's only been one change to their usual routine 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Warwick Davis has praised the late Val Kilmer for "getting [him] through" making 'Willow' 21:36

    Rugby League:
    Melbourne Victory coach Arthur Diles believes Auckland FC shouldn't break out the champagne just yet 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Michael Alaimo has died aged 86 21:06

    Entertainment:
    David Duchovny has got married 20:36

    Entertainment:
    Kneecap star Mo Chara has been charged with a terror offense in the UK 20:06

    Entertainment:
    Jessica Biel's son refers to her as "John Cena's friend" 19:36

    Entertainment:
    Rob McElhenney is supporting Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively through their "difficult and challenging" legal wrangle with Justin Baldoni 19:06

    Accident and Emergency:
    One person's died as a vehicle crashed into garage and then caught fire in Tapanui, south of Otago's Roxburgh 18:37


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd