Introduction to Increased Security
New York City has stepped up security at Jewish institutions following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy workers near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The incident has been condemned by officials and leaders, with Mayor Eric Adams calling it an "unacceptable and not tolerated" act of violence.
Response to the Incident
During a press conference on May 22, Mayor Adams spoke to New Yorkers, flanked by leaders of different religious groups. He said the two staffers, a young couple named Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were shot to death outside a Jewish museum in what officials called an antisemitic attack.
NYPD officers stand guard with weapons outside Fifth Avenue Synagogue, after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in New York City, U.S., May 22, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray
‘A Depraved Act of Terrorism’
Mayor Adams said NYC is responding to the incident in multiple ways, including heightened security. “There must be a substantive response and a symbolic response,” Adams said. “Let’s call this what it is: a depraved act of terrorism.” The NYPD said there is “no known connection” to NYC. Nevertheless, on Thursday, the department deployed numerous police units, including counter-terrorism officers from critical response commands, to various Jewish cultural institutions and houses of worship throughout the city.
People walk next to a NYPD vehicle outside of Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in New York City, U.S., May 22, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray
There will also be more security at Israeli diplomatic facilities, Adams said. “We also did this periodically after the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023,” the mayor said. “But let me be clear: we are doing this out of an overabundance of caution.”
Rise in Antisemitic Incidents
According to a recent Anti-Defamation League report, reported cases of antisemitic assaults, acts of vandalism, harassment, and other incidents in 2024 rose by 18% in New York, reaching 1,437 in total. “In the last year and a half, we watched the hate bleed onto our streets, college campuses, and now, at our cultural events,” the mayor noted. “People have glorified terrorist organizations and called for violence against Jews, they called for death to America, to Israel, and to the people of Israel.”
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik speaks next to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Rev. Al Sharpton and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch at the Center for Jewish History, after two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead in Washington, D.C. near the Capital Jewish Museum, in New York City, U.S., May 22, 2025. REUTERS/Adam Gray
Condemnation from Officials
Like Adams, other metro area elected officials condemned the attack at the embassy. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams called the fatal shootings “heartbreaking,” adding that “hate in all forms has no place” in the city or country. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) said he was “horrified” by the deadly attack. Ofir Akunis, consul general of Israel in New York, said ongoing “rhetoric that legitimizes violence” against Jewish people and Israelis led to the attack.
Investigation and Alleged Suspect
According to an article in the Associated Press, the alleged suspect in the attack was identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago. On Thursday, Washington, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI were interviewing Rodriguez. Media reports recounted witnesses observing the suspect pacing outside the museum before the fatal shooting took place. Reports also said the suspect chanted “Free Palestine” after he was arrested.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy workers has led to a significant increase in security at Jewish institutions in New York City. Officials have condemned the attack, calling it a "depraved act of terrorism" and an "unacceptable and not tolerated" act of violence. The incident has highlighted the rise in antisemitic incidents in the city and the need for increased security and vigilance.
FAQs
Q: What happened in Washington, D.C.?
A: Two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Q: How is NYC responding to the incident?
A: NYC is increasing security at Jewish institutions and diplomatic facilities.
Q: What has been the trend in antisemitic incidents in New York?
A: According to a recent Anti-Defamation League report, reported cases of antisemitic assaults, acts of vandalism, harassment, and other incidents in 2024 rose by 18% in New York.
Q: Who has been identified as the alleged suspect in the attack?
A: Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, has been identified as the alleged suspect in the attack.
Q: What is being done to investigate the incident?
A: The Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI are investigating the incident and interviewing the alleged suspect.
