2 Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed in Apparent Targeted Attack in Washington, D.C.
Share this @internewscast.com

Two members of the Israeli embassy staff were killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.

The FBI is treating the incident as a potential targeted attack, ABC News reports.

Witnesses reported that the suspect, who is in custody, shouted “free, free Palestine” after the shooting.

During a press conference on Thursday morning, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar disclosed the identities of the two embassy staff members who lost their lives in the shooting: Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

Sa’ar mentioned that the two were participants at a Jewish event organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) when they were tragically shot in what he described as “an appalling terrorist act.”

Police identified Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, as the shooter.

Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that Rodriguez was observed pacing outside the museum prior to opening fire with a handgun on a group of four individuals. He subsequently made his way into the museum, where officers apprehended him.

Rodriguez reportedly pointed out where he discarded the weapon and allegedly suggested that he had committed the killings.

”The suspect identified where he discarded the weapon, and that weapon has been recovered,” Smith said, according to CBS News.

Metropolitan Police stated that initial searches of crime databases revealed no information about the suspect, who was not known to law enforcement.

Police and FBI agents are now examining the suspect’s social media, and seized electronic devices belonging to the suspect, according to a law enforcement source.

BBC News reports that the FBI is currently looking into “ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on a bias-based crime or a hate crime.”

The suspect is expected in court Thursday.

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: X / Embassy of Israel to the USA / @IsraelinUSA]

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

NSW Police Officer Assaulted During Welfare Check

A man is in custody after two female police officers were allegedly…

Two Teens Face Charges Following Alleged Joyride Across Four Sydney Suburbs

Two teenagers have been charged after a police pursuit through Sydney‘s west.…

Teen Arrested in Connection with Fatal Stabbing of Western Australia Father

Tawhai Walker Loughlin turned 18 just two months ago but could now…

‘Arson Attack and Protest in Melbourne Condemned by Jewish Leaders as ‘Appalling Crimes”

Leaders of the Jewish community have called for action after separate attacks…

Tragic Hit-and-Run at Fireworks Show Claims Life of 3-Year-Old Boy

Background: The location of the accident at Lyndon Street and Merriman Road…

Philadelphia Bar Shooting: 2 Critically Injured, 6 Others Hurt

Eight people were injured during a mass shooting at a bar in…

Intoxicated Driver in Michigan Hits Family Departing Festival, Resulting in the Death of a 3-Year-Old and Injuries to Twin Sister: Police Report

A woman from Michigan, who was driving on a suspended license, reportedly…

Gainesville Resident Accused of Assaulting 14-Year-Old Runaway

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 26-year-old named McNish Mathis Tuzon Hampton…

Georgia Woman Faces DUI Charges After Husband Falls from Golf Cart and Dies

A woman from Georgia has been charged with driving under the influence…

Teen Tried as Adult in Failed Marijuana Robbery That Ended in Murder

A 16-year-old boy from Indiana is facing adult charges of murder following…

Released Suspect Detained Again for Mop Handle Assault on Store Clerk

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – D’Andre Vanshon Jemel Anderson, 29, was taken…

Mother Sentenced to 20 Years for Mistreating Her Toddlers

Samantha Woods (Jackson County Sheriff”s Office). An Alabama woman will spend just…