Local Politicians Respond To Horrific Washington D.C. Attack

By Idy Perl

On Wednesday night a horrific tragedy took place in the country's capital when two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.. 

The shooter, later identified as Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, shouted "Free Palestine" after he opened fire on a young couple, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. The two were stepping out of the museum, where an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee was being held, and were both sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

Congressman Mike Lawler expressed his outrage at the attack: 

Shocked and saddened by this act of violence right in the heart of the nation’s capital. My prayers are with the Jewish people and the Israeli embassy staff as they mourn. May the perpetrator of this heinous act of antisemitic violence be swiftly served justice.

Senator Bill Weber released the following statement: 

I was horrified to learn of the senseless act of violence in our nation's Capitol, where two young Jewish individuals who were about to be engaged were tragically shot at point-blank range. There is a disturbing rise in Antisemitism across America. It is incumbent on each of us to confront this hatred before it leads to even more needless bloodshed.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued the following statement:

Our hearts break for the two innocent Israeli embassy workers killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. Wednesday night. It is being reported that the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free, free Palestine” while in custody, in addition to an eyewitness claiming he said he “did it for Gaza.”

Racism, bigotry, discrimination, and political violence in any form are not only morally repugnant but also a threat to the foundations of a just and harmonious society.

The County of Rockland believes in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background and without question an attack on one is an attack on all. We must stand united and refuse to let fear and prejudice divide us.

Governor Hochul released a statement as well, saying: 

I am horrified by last night’s murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers at the Capital Jewish Museum. Antisemitism is a threat to all of us. This act of terrorism is a painful reminder that we must continue to fight it wherever it rears its ugly head.

I will continue fighting to make sure all New Yorkers can feel safe in their communities. In an abundance of caution, we are increasing security measures at houses of worship and other vulnerable sites across the state.

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