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Friday Briefing: Two Israeli Embassy Staff Killed
Plus, books to look forward to.
Outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, yesterday.Credit…Caroline Gutman for The New York Times
Two Israeli Embassy aides were killed in Washington
The man accused in the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington late Wednesday had a history of pro-Palestinian activism, U.S. officials said. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, who is in his early 30s, declared “Free, free Palestine” after he was detained. He has been charged with first-degree murder and other crimes.
The F.B.I. director yesterday referred to the killings as an act of terror. The two aides were shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum, where the American Jewish Committee was hosting a reception for young diplomats. Here’s the latest.
The victims: Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were a couple. She was a research assistant in the political department at the embassy and he organized trips to Israel. Lischinsky had just bought an engagement ring.
Details: Officials said the gunman approached four people who were leaving the event, shot the two victims and then entered the museum, where he was detained by security officers. Here’s what we know about the suspect.
Context: Groups that monitor hate crimes said the shooting was part of a global surge in antisemitic incidents.
