2 Israeli embassy staff shot dead outside D.C. Jewish museum; suspect in custody

Two Israeli Embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee on Wednesday night. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed the deaths. The suspected shooter, a person from Chicago, is in custody. The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. Lischinsky and Milgrim were a young couple about to be engaged, as revealed by the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter. The suspect allegedly chanted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if it was an act of terrorism or a hate crime. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated that the city will not tolerate violence or hate and vowed to stand against anti-Semitism. The FBI is assisting in the investigation. President Isaac Herzog of Israel expressed devastation over the shooting and emphasized the unity between America and Israel against terrorism and hate. President Donald Trump also condemned the anti-Semitic violence and offered condolences to the victims’ families.