On Wednesday evening, two Israeli embassy employees were tragically killed by pro-Palestinian attackers after attending an event at Washington, DC’s capital Jewish Museum. The victims, Jaron Lisinsky and Sarah Milgrim, had been set to engage with the embassy regarding the matter.
Learners hours later arrested a major suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago. Upon investigation, authorities discovered his connections to the Marxist pro-Palestinian group, the Socialism and Liberation Party (PSL).
Rodriguez’s online presence included participation in a Black Lives Matter protest in 2017, coinciding with the anniversary of a notable shooting in Chicago. Additionally, he is reportedly an oral history researcher for a nonprofit focused on preserving African American narratives.
In reaction to this targeted violence against Jewish Americans, Republican leaders in Alabama expressed their condolences and concerns over the rise of anti-Semitic terrorism.
The Alabama Democrats, including US Rep. Terri Sewell and Rep. Victor Gaston, have not released statements regarding the FBI’s ongoing investigation into the incident, which it considers a potential hate crime.
The Bipartisan Legislative Caucus of Alabama, co-chaired by David Faulkner (R) and Philip Ensler (D), issued a statement calling the act a hate crime and a terrorist attack on innocent lives.
Senator Tommy Tuberville described the incident as “devastating,” labeling Rodriguez a “terrorist.”
Catastrophic news after two staff members at the Israeli Embassy were killed by terrorists in our country’s capital last night.
Anti-Semitism has no place in our society.
I pray for Yaron and Sarah’s family and loved ones.
– Coach Tommy Tuberville (@sentuberville)
Senator Katie Britt remarked that the killings represent an attack on Jews globally.
The horrifying murder of two young Israeli embassy staff in DC last night was an attack on the Jews of America and around the world.
Our country cannot allow anti-Semitism to continue hiding behind other names, slogans and chants.
– Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@senkatiebritt)
Rep. Mike Rogers urged Americans to unite against anti-Semitism.
Last night, two Israeli embassy staff were brutally murdered by Hamas sympathizers. My prayers are for the fallen families and all the staff at the embassy grieving this horrifying act of violence.
– Mike Rogers (@RepMikeragersal)
Rep. Barry Moore conveyed heartbreak over the senseless killings.
I am heartbroken to hear about Sarah Milgrim and Jaron Lisinsky, who were meaninglessly murdered at the Capital Jewish Museum last night.
Anti-Semitism has no place in the United States.
– Rep. Barry Moore (@Repbarrymoore)
Governor Kay Ivey expressed sorrow over the killings done in the name of “free Palestine.”
Our country woke up to the news that staff from two Israeli embassies were executed in the name of “Free Palestine.” Anti-Semitism and radicalism have no place here.
– Governor Kay Ivey (@goverrorkayivey)
Lt. Colonel Will Ainsworth demanded the harshest penalties for Rodriguez, emphasizing the need to address such extremism.
In pure evil acts firmly rooted in imperial beliefs, two young Israeli embassy staff were murdered. Such extremism must be punished with the ultimate penalty.
– Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthal)
Attorney General Steve Marshall condemned the radical ideology behind the murders.
I am horrified by the terrorist attacks on two Israeli embassy staff. Hatred and extremism have no place in America.
– Attorney General Steve Marshall (@agstevemarshall)
An emergency crew attempted to aid the victims, but both were declared dead at the scene.
