Introduction to the Incident
Gov. JB Pritzker says a member of his staff was attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum near where two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot Wednesday night in Washington, D.C. A man from Chicago has been arrested in connection to the slayings, authorities said.
Statement from Governor Pritzker
“I was horrified to hear of the deadly shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC last night,” Pritzker said in a statement Thursday morning. “Shortly after the incident occurred, I learned that a member of my team was attending the event. While they are shaken up, they are thankfully safe.” “MK and I are praying for the victims and their families and all of those affected by this tragedy,” Pritzker added.
Victims of the Shooting
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.
The Suspect and the Investigation
The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said. When he was taken into custody, the suspect began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said. She said law enforcement did not believe there was an ongoing threat to the community.
Reaction to the Incident
Priztker, in the statement, said: “An evening of connecting and belonging hosted by the American Jewish Committee quickly turned into a nightmare. Young Jewish people and diplomats came together in a museum built to honor their shared history but then had to flee gun shots and witness the killing of a young couple. As a Jew who led the building of a museum dedicated to standing up against bigotry and hatred, I know how sacred these places are and what trauma this incident has caused. “Whether it’s gun violence or the rising tide of antisemitism, Americans of all backgrounds have an urgent obligation to stand for peace and reject bigotry in all its forms and in every way possible.”
Conclusion
The shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum is a tragic reminder of the importance of standing against bigotry and hatred. The incident has caused trauma to the community, and it is essential for Americans to come together to reject violence and antisemitism. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is in custody.
FAQs
- Q: Who were the victims of the shooting?
A: The victims were Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two Israeli embassy staff members. - Q: Who is the suspect in the shooting?
A: The suspect is Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago. - Q: What was the motive behind the shooting?
A: The motive is still under investigation, but the suspect chanted “Free, free Palestine” when taken into custody. - Q: Was there an ongoing threat to the community?
A: According to law enforcement, there was no ongoing threat to the community. - Q: How has Governor Pritzker responded to the incident?
A: Governor Pritzker released a statement condemning the violence and calling for Americans to stand against bigotry and hatred.
