Israeli embassy victims named for first time as young couple days from getting engaged

The victims of an anti-Semitic terror attack outside a Jewish event in DC have been identified as a young couple days away from getting engaged. embassy staffer Yaron Lischinsky, 28, was one of the victims publicly named early on Thursday morning following the attack, which was condemned by President .

The second victim has been named as Sarah Milgrim, a Jewish American employee at the Israeli Embassy. The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, and repeatedly shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was hauled into custody, shortly after opening fire on a group who had attended a Young Diplomats event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

Following the shooting, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith described the suspect's movements before and after the attack. Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum prior to the shooting, then entered the building where the event was taking place.

After firing at the group, security personnel quickly intervened and detained him. During his arrest, Rodriguez loudly chanted "Free Palestine," underscoring the political nature of the attack. Witnesses at the scene reported a scene of confusion and horror.

Yoni Kalin, who was attending the event, recalled that Rodriguez appeared distressed at first, and some attendees tried to assist him before realising he was the assailant.

He later pulled out a red keffiyeh - a symbol linked to Palestinian solidarity - and continued shouting slogans related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The Capital Jewish Museum was hosting a Young Diplomats event focused on humanitarian aid, bringing together representatives from different backgrounds to foster dialogue. The attack shattered the sense of safety and community that the event aimed to promote.

The victims, described by Israeli officials as a young couple on the verge of engagement, had their lives violently cut short. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed their identities but did not disclose further personal details out of respect for their families.

A statement posted on the embassy's X page said: "Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC."

"The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time."

The incident sparked widespread condemnation. President Donald Trump called for an end to antisemitic violence, stating that hatred and radicalism have no place in the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the shooting as a "horrific, antisemitic" act and emphasised the global repercussions of rising antisemitism.

Local authorities stressed there was no continuing threat to the community but vowed to investigate Rodriguez's motives thoroughly.

The attack has prompted heightened security measures at Jewish institutions and diplomatic missions nationwide, as officials grapple with the growing risks faced by Jewish communities in the United States amid escalating tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Mr Trump, posting on 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!"