Gunman Kills Two Israeli Embassy Staffers in Washington, Suspect in Custody

Two local staff members of the Israeli embassy, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot and killed by a lone gunman in downtown Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.

Authorities say the suspect, who reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during the attack, is now in custody. 

The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the identities of the victims and described them as locally employed personnel.

They were both trying to promote reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, separate advocacy groups each belonged to said.

The two were shot and killed as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, which about 1.3 miles (2 km) from the White House.

Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, told reporters Lischinsky had “purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem”.

Washington Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the single suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine”, after being taken into custody by event security.

Source: Reuters