Following the deadly shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, New York City officials took swift action to bolster protection at sites associated with the Jewish community.
The NYPD released a statement announcing stepped-up safety efforts in response to the attack. “While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in DC targeting Jews and Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites and cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers.”
Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragedy on X, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “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,” the mayor wrote.
He condemned the nature of the assault, stating: “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.”
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky from Israel and Sarah Milgrim, an American citizen, were a young couple planning to become engaged, according to Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter.
Authorities from the Metropolitan Police Department said the pair was leaving a diplomatic event hosted at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four and began shooting.
After opening fire, the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, reportedly entered the museum. He was stopped by event security and began shouting, “Free, free Palestine,” according to law enforcement.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino commented on the investigation via social media, writing that “early indicators are that this is an act of targeted violence.”
{Matzav.com}