An armed attack in the heart of Washington, in the United States ended with the murder of Two employees of the Israel Embassy Wednesday night. The incident occurred in front of the Jewish Museum Lillian & Albert Smallin a central area of the city, and is investigated as a possible hate crime. The National Security Secretary, Kristi Noemconfirmed the tragedy through the network Xwhile the Metropolitan Police He stopped the alleged author of the shooting, who shouted “Free Palestine” At the time of your apprehension.
The victims were identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrima couple who, according to Israeli diplomatic sources, planned to commit in the next few days. According to statements from the Israeli ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiterthe young man had acquired a engagement ring that same week with the intention of making the proposal in Jerusalem.
The incident occurred around 21.00 in front of the museum located in the number 500 on Northwest Street of Washingtona short distance from a headquarters FBI. The area was immediately cordoned off after the shooting and A strong operation was deployed Police
How was the attack and what the researchers say
During a press conference last midnight, in which the Mayor Muriel Bowserthe Police Chief Pamela Smiththe Attorney General Pam Bondithe Federal Prosecutor Jeanine Pirro and authorities of the FBIdetails were offered about what happened.
According to Smith: “We believe that the shooting was committed by a single suspect. Before the shooting, the suspect was observed walking outside the museum. SAnd he approached a group of four people, took out a gun and opened fire, reaching the two deceased. He then entered the museum and was arrested by the security personnel of the event and handcuff. ”
The alleged aggressor was preliminary as Elias Rodriguezof 30 yearsoriginally from Chicago, Illinois. According to the police, the attacker pointed out where he threw the weapon, which was recovered. At the time of detention, he shouted repeatedly “Free Palestine, Free Palestine”, Which fed the hypothesis of a political or ideological motivation behind the crime.
The two diplomats left an activity organized by the American Jewish Commissionaimed at professionals and Jewish diplomatic personnel between 22 and 45 years. The event was developed within the museum, which also functions as a cultural center.
From the FBI, it was confirmed that the agency collaborates with the Local Police to determine if the attack is linked to terrorism or if it was a Crime for religious prejudice.
“Tonight an atrocious crime has been committed, and the FBI joins the Metropolitan Police Department not only to help investigate homicide and provide support but also for investigate links with possible terrorism or a motivation based on a crime by prejudices or a crime of hate, ”they declared from the federal body.
What did they say from Israel
He Israel Foreign Ministry held the climate of “Toxic anti -Semitic incitement“For the attack, and pointed out as responsible for”world leaders who surrender to Palestine terrorist propaganda”
In a message posted on social networks, the spokesman Tal Naim He shared an image of the murdered couple next to a moving message: “Just this morning we still laughed together in the cafeteria, and now there is only one photo. Instead of accompanying them to the altar, we accompany them to their grave. What an unbearable loss! ”
For its part, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamín Netanyahuordered to strengthen security measures in all embassies in the country. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister, Gideon Saarsaid the attack was a “direct consequence of the toxic anti -Semitic incitement“That, in his words, he was globally excited from the attacks of Hamas in Israel he October 7, 2023where they died 1,200 people And they were kidnapped 251.
“Strengthen Israel in their historic fight against excessive evil in the Middle East”He claimed Saarwhile urging the “world leaders who surrender to Palestinian terrorist propaganda”To stop false accusations against the Hebrew State, he reported EFE.
The ambassador Leiterin dialogue with the US President Donald Trumpsaid the president promised to fight the anti -Semitism In the country. “I will say this: we are a resistant people. ANDThe people of Israel are a resistant people, the people of the United States of America are a resistant people. Together, we will not be afraid. We will remain firm and we will overcome the moral depravation of those who believe they will obtain political benefits”, Said the Israeli diplomat.
Source: Ambito
