Washington Jewish Museum Shooting: Victims Shot Dead by Pro-Palestine Supporter Were a Couple, About to Be Engaged

A young Israeli couple who were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday were planning to get engaged soon, according to the Israeli ambassador to the United States. The couple has been identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Both were diplomats and were attending a community program for young Jewish professionals at the Capital Jewish Museum.

The Israeli Embassy expressed deep grief over the incident, stating that Yaron and Sarah "were in the prime of their lives" and were set to get engaged next week.

In an official statement, the embassy called the shooting a terrorist act and shared their sorrow over the loss of their colleagues.

"Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives. This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in D.C. The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss," the statement read.

According to Yaron Lischinsky’s LinkedIn profile, he was a research assistant for Middle East and North African Affairs at the embassy. Sarah Milgrim worked in the Public Diplomacy Department and held a master’s degree in International Studies from American University.

Couple Was Planning Engagement in Jerusalem Next Week 

Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed that the victims in their twenties were in a relationship and had plans to get engaged next week during a visit to Jerusalem.

According to the ambassador, the young man had even purchased an engagement ring earlier this week. 

Suspect Shouted pro-Palestinian Slogans

The couple was leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when a man approached a small group and suddenly opened fire. Both victims were declared dead on the spot, said Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith during a news conference.

Witnesses told police that the shooter shouted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine”  after being caught. He allegedly tried to pose as a bystander immediately after the shooting but was quickly apprehended by security forces.

Authorities say the suspect continued to yell slogans even after being caught, and they are now investigating whether the attack was motivated by hate.

READ MORE: 2 Israel Embassy Staff Killed in Washington, Suspect Shouted 'Free Palestine' | Republic World

Legal Proceedings Underway

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was near the scene along with former judge Jeanine Pirro, confirmed that the case will be prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office in Washington. While the suspect's identity and background have not yet been disclosed, federal authorities have taken over the case.

Officials said they are reviewing whether the shooting qualifies as a hate crime under US law, given the slogans shouted and the location of the attack.