Authorities in Washington, DC, have intensified security around schools and religious institutions since the shooting of two Israeli embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum, an incident that has sparked fears of growing anti-Semitism.
The victims, Israeli national Yaron Lischinsky and American citizen Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were gunned down on Wednesday near the Jewish Museum, just over a mile from the White House. The couple, who were engaged, had reportedly been planning to marry.
Police arrested 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago at the scene. Witnesses say he shouted “Free Palestine” as he was taken into custody — a detail that has heightened concerns around tensions surrounding Israel’s killings in Gaza.
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith confirmed increased law enforcement visibility across the city, particularly at Jewish schools, synagogues, and community centres. “You will see more officers around faith-based institutions and schools. We are standing shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish community,” she said at a press briefing.
The shooting is being treated as both a hate crime and a potential act of terrorism. Rodriguez is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 18.
US President Donald Trump condemned the killings on social media, labelling the act “clearly anti-Semitic” following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli officials, meanwhile, blamed the attack on mounting international criticism of their Gaza campaign.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser convened an emergency interfaith meeting on Thursday involving local Jewish leaders, city officials, and police representatives to coordinate the city’s response and reassure the public.
“We have a long-standing relationship with our Jewish community and have worked extensively on safety and protection measures,” said Bowser.
Aaron Hiller, chairman of the Hill Havurah synagogue board, acknowledged the growing threat of anti-Semitic violence. Speaking ahead of a Friday evening vigil for the victims, he said: “Sadly, this wasn’t entirely unexpected. Incidents of anti-Semitism and violent attacks are becoming all too frequent.”
Despite these concerns, Hiller noted that his community still feels largely secure: “I often walk home late at night, and my children are free to explore the neighbourhood. But since the events of October 7, we’ve taken steps to bolster security.”
Daniel Ben Chitrit, one of the many who attended the vigil, expressed deep sorrow over the murders. He revealed that he had planned to be at the Jewish Museum that night and was shaken by how close he came to being involved.
“I didn’t personally know the victims, but I had met them before at previous events,” he said. Ben Chitrit also doubted the assailant knew the pair were embassy employees. “He only knew they were leaving a Jewish event,” he added.
The killings have sent shockwaves through the city’s Jewish community and reignited debate over the rise in hate-motivated violence amid ongoing geopolitical unrest.
