First Lady Melania Trump released a statement following Wednesday night’s fatal shooting that killed two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C.
Newsweek reached out to the Israeli Embassy for an updated statement on Thursday.
Why It Matters
The fatal shooting in the nation’s capital shines a light on the ongoing war in Gaza and as Jewish people continue to face antisemitic threats across the nation.
In a news conference after the shooting, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she is aware that the act of violence may frighten a lot of people in the city. She also condemned the shooting and later said that she would not tolerate antisemitism.
What To Know
Around 9:08 p.m., calls came in to police regarding the shooting, according to the chief, saying one adult male and one adult female were later pronounced dead.
The shooting occurred near a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field office and the Capital Jewish Museum.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was observed pacing around outside of the museum, then walked into the museum after the shooting.
Smith says Rodriguez was then detained by security and shouted “Free, free Palestine” as he was arrested.
The victims killed as a result of the violence, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were a couple and soon to be engaged.
Reacting to the news on X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday, Melania Trump said, “El Pluribus Unum: Out of Many, One”
“At the core of the United States Constitution are the principles of tolerance, unity, and religious freedom. Today, I urge Americans to reflect on our identity and our collective future. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the dignity of every individual.”
The first lady added, “The tragic murders of Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky in our nation’s capital serve as a stark reminder of the need for moral clarity and firm action. Let us come together in both grief and determination to confront hatred and to uphold the ideals that define our nation. We Are One.”
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) May 22, 2025
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump on Truth Social early Thursday morning after the shooting: “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!”
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon on X on Wednesday: “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event that took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.”
Vice President JD Vance on X on Thursday: “My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States. We’re praying for their families and all of our friends at the Israeli Embassy, where the two victims worked.”
What Happens Next
Rodriguez is facing numerous charges and likely more “as the evidence warrants,” interim U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro said in a news conference on Thursday.
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