Incident Alert: Washington, D.C. Shooting (May 22, 2025)

In Washington, D.C., (22 May Australian time) two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were leaving an event when they were targeted. 

After the shooting, the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, entered the museum, appeared distressed, and was detained by security. He reportedly chanted “Free Palestine” during his arrest and later confessed to the killings. A handgun used in the attack was recovered, believed to be a legally owned German-made Heckler & Koch (H&K) 9mm pistol.

According to news sources, in addition to the firearm, investigators discovered a 900-word manifesto believed to have been written by Rodriguez. The manifesto allegedly espouses anti-Semitic views and justifies the use of armed resistance, with the author urging readers to “Escalate For Gaza, Bring The War Home”.

The attack has been labeled an act of terror by Jewish and political leaders across Australia, the U.S., and Israel.