Murdered Israeli Aide Planned to Propose to Girlfriend and Had ‘Purchased a Ring This Week’ Before Both Were Shot in Attack

The murdered Israeli aide who was fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. was planning to propose to his girlfriend, who was also killed in the shooting.

On Wednesday, May 21, at approximately 9:08 p.m. local time, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) responded to multiple calls of a shooting in the area of 3rd Street and F Street Northwest, Chief Pamela Smith said at a press conference.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry and Israeli Embassy in the U.S. have since confirmed on X that victims Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who both worked for the embassy, had been shot dead in the attack. Smith also confirmed during Wednesday’s press conference that a suspect — Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago — had been taken into custody. 

While speaking to reporters, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, said that the victims were planning to get engaged before they were killed.

“The couple that was gunned down tonight in the name of ‘Free Palestine’ was a young couple about to be engaged,” Leiter said on Wednesday.

“The young man purchased a ring this week, with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he added. “They were a beautiful couple who came to enjoy an evening in Washington’s cultural center.”

Tal Naim, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, was among the many who paid tribute to the victims on social media.

“Yaron and Sarah, Words cannot begin to describe the heartbreak and sorrow. Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner — and now, all that remains is a picture,” Naim posted to X on Wednesday.

“Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves. What an unbearable loss 💔💔,” she added, referencing the planned proposal.

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“We are shocked and horrified this morning by the news of the brutal terrorist attack that claimed the lives of two of our Embassy staff members in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. May their memory be a blessing,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X.

“We embrace the grieving families during this painful time and will continue to support them always,” they continued.

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During Wednesday’s press conference, Smith said that “the suspect chanted ‘Free, Free Palestine’ while in custody.”

Smith alleged that Rodriguez “approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire, striking both of our decedents” before entering the museum and being “detained by event security.”

Following the shooting, President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”