Two Israeli Embassy staffers were gunned down Wednesday night at an event for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., and the response from major political figures and media outlets has drawn sharp criticism—including from some unexpected voices.
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, Israeli nationals assigned to diplomatic duties in Washington, were shot and killed by Elias Rodriguez, who shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest at the scene.
Milgrim and Lischinsky were in a relationship and reportedly planning to get engaged within the next week.
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The event they were attending focused on humanitarian efforts and delivering aid to Gaza.
Federal authorities have confirmed that Rodriguez was captured on video shouting pro-Palestinian slogans before and during his arrest.
He reportedly stated, “I did it for Gaza” while being taken into custody.
Despite these facts, some progressive figures and media outlets have hesitated to label the attack an act of terrorism, prompting strong reactions from critics—including NewsNation host and former CNN anchor Chris Cuomo.
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“We know the shooter is a far-left activist caught on camera shouting ‘Free Palestine,’” Cuomo said during his Thursday night broadcast.
“So why the F are all these people on the left saying, ‘If true,’ and ‘If that’s who he is,’ and ‘If he’s not an IDF plant’?”
Cuomo continued by reminding viewers of the October 7 Hamas-led terror attacks against Israel, which included mass killings and kidnappings.
“The situation in Gaza and all the destruction is because Hamas terrorists committed acts of brutality and kidnapping on that day,” Cuomo stated.
While Cuomo acknowledged that it’s fair to debate whether more aid should be allowed into Gaza or if Israel should scale back its operations, he criticized what he described as the Left’s unwillingness to condemn radical extremism when it fits outside their political narrative.
“Democrats, my brothers and sisters — I understand why you’re worried about Trump. I understand why you call him an ultimate evil — but I don’t agree,” Cuomo said.
“And if you want the ultimate evil, look at the Islamists — the extreme ones in America, not just Muslims. And mind your dogs, who are doing their bidding.”
🚨NEW: Chris Cuomo UNLOADS on “the left” after DC shooting🚨
“We know the shooter is a far-left activist caught on camera shouting ‘Free Palestine.’ And as he was arrested, he kept chanting the slogan and said, ‘I did it for Gaza.’ So why the F are all these people on the left… pic.twitter.com/NqotvJZrRv
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) May 23, 2025
The Department of Homeland Security has not released additional details about the suspect’s background or any potential affiliations.
However, multiple law enforcement sources confirm Rodriguez had a documented history of anti-Israel activity and may have attended previous demonstrations in support of Palestinian causes.
Federal investigators are reportedly treating the incident as a targeted attack on diplomatic personnel.
The State Department has not yet issued a formal classification of the incident.
The lack of widespread condemnation from progressive political leaders and media commentators has fueled criticism that ideological bias is shaping public discourse around politically motivated violence.
The Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., released a statement mourning the loss of Lischinsky and Milgrim, calling them “dedicated young professionals who worked for peace and understanding.”
President Donald Trump has not yet publicly commented on the incident but has repeatedly vowed to classify such attacks as terrorism and prioritize national security cooperation with Israel.
As the investigation continues, Rodriguez remains in federal custody.
Charges against him are expected to include multiple counts of murder and possibly terrorism-related offenses.
The attack has renewed questions about political polarization in America and the apparent unwillingness of some leaders to condemn violence when it contradicts partisan narratives.
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