Introduction to the Incident
The NYPD is sending its heavy-weapons teams, the Critical Response Command, to Jewish houses of worship and other sensitive locations in response to last night’s shooting of two Israeli government employees in Washington D.C., a senior NYC law enforcement official says.
While the current belief in law enforcement that the alleged shooter in D.C. acted alone there is always a concern that individuals may act out following incidents like these.
Response and Precautions
CRC is a highly trained unit that specializes in these types of security scenarios. They are armed with M4 semiautomatic rifles and they are specifically prepared for active shooter terrorism situations. They are commonly deployed in situations like these. The NYPD is moving these officers to sensitive sites as a precaution. A large police presence was seen outside of Temple Emmanuel in Manhattan, with extra units at city synagogues.
Increased Security Measures
"While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in DC targeting Jews & Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites & cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers," the NYPD said on social media.
While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in DC targeting Jews & Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites & cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 22, 2025
## International and Local Implications
The stunning attack on Wednesday evening prompted Israeli missions in the U.S. to beef up their security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
## Reactions from Officials
“Devastated by the senseless killing outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’re keeping the victims in our prayers and have directed the NYPD to increase security at sensitive locations for the Jewish community here in NYC. This act of hateful violence is exactly what it means to globalize the intifada. Let me be clear — antisemitic violence has no place in our country.
## Broader Security Efforts
On Long Island, Nassau County police said they were upping patrols and having their units drive around to synagogues and Jewish Community Centers. Police said there were no specific threats, but they were taking precautions, similar to the steps taken by the NYPD. “We’re going to have extra patrols at all our houses of worship, especially our synagogues with the Sabbath this weekend,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Pat Ryder.
## Details of the Incident
The two people killed, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Lischinsky told others at an event he attended before he was killed that he was looking forward to returning to Israel to celebrate an upcoming Jewish holiday, said Ted Deutch, the chief executive of the American Jewish Committee, which had put on the reception.
## The Suspect and Investigation
The couple were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. The gunman, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, then walked into the museum, was detained by event security and began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said.
## National Reaction
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” President Donald Trump posted on social media early Thursday. “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote in a post on social media that “early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence.”
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the shooting in Washington D.C. has prompted a significant response from law enforcement agencies across the country, particularly in areas with large Jewish populations. The increase in security measures and the deployment of specialized units like the Critical Response Command underscore the seriousness with which authorities are taking this incident and the potential for follow-up attacks.
## FAQs
– **Q: What happened in Washington D.C.?**
A: There was a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.
– **Q: How is the NYPD responding?**
A: The NYPD is sending its heavy-weapons teams to Jewish houses of worship and other sensitive locations as a precautionary measure.
– **Q: Are there any connections to NYC?**
A: Currently, there is no known nexus to NYC, but the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites and cultural institutions.
– **Q: Who was the suspect?**
A: The suspect has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago.
– **Q: What are the broader implications?**
A: The incident has heightened tensions and prompted increased security measures across the country, particularly in areas with significant Jewish populations, amidst a backdrop of rising antisemitic acts.
