Trump administration officials denounce killings of Israeli Embassy staffers in DC

Trump administration officials were quick to denounce Wednesday evening’s shooting in Washington, D.C., which left two Israeli Embassy staffers dead outside of a museum.

The victims, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were fatally shot outside of the Capital Jewish Museum by a male suspect who shouted “free Palestine” before opening fire.

President Trump condemned the killings in a post on his Truth Social platform early Thursday.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he wrote. “Condolences to the families of the victims.”

Trump’s comment was later echoed by several Cabinet members and Jewish organizations across the country. 

“My heart breaks for the two Jews who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States,” Vice President Vance said in a post on Truth Social. Reporting indicates Lischinsky was a Christian.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the incident “a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence.”

“Make no mistake: we will track down those responsible and bring them to justice,” Rubio said in a post on social platform X. 

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was on the scene hours after the crime took place and is praying for the family of victims. 

“I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum with @USAttyPirro. Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi wrote on X.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he spoke with Bondi, also weighed in on the shooting, adding that he was “outraged” by the deaths.

“We are witness to the terrible cost of the antisemitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Blood libels against Israel have a cost in blood and must be fought to the utmost.”

Milgrim and Lischinsky — a couple on the verge of engagement, according to police — were gunned down after the American Jewish Committee’s (AJC) annual Young Diplomats Reception. Lischinsky was preparing to return to Israel to spend the Jewish holiday of Shavuot with his family prior to being killed.

“Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said in a Thursday statement. 

“Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing, and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends,” Deutch continued. “We are in shock and heartbroken as we attempt to process this immense tragedy.”

The young couple had met multiple political officials from both Israel and the United States who have mourned their deaths.

“I just met Sarah two weeks ago in my office at EPA HQ. She struck me as a young woman filled with life and positivity. Heartbroken to learn she was one of two tragically murdered last night by a Jew-hating radical screaming ‘Free Palestine'” Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a post on X.  

“May Sarah and Yaron rest in peace,” he added.

The Israeli military (IDF) also condemned the incident. 

“The IDF sends our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the attack on the Israeli embassy in Washington,” it wrote online. 

“Like ambassador @yechielleiter said: ‘We are a resilient people, the people of Israel are resilient people, and the people of the United States of America are resilient people,'” its statement continued.

“Together we won’t be afraid, together we’ll stand, and we’re going to overcome moral depravity of people who think they’re going to achieve political gains through murder,” the military added.

Updated at 11:04 a.m. EDT