Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian has issued a statement in response to the killing of two Israeli embassy aides in Washington, D.C., on the evening of May 21. The two individuals were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, a research assistant, and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, who worked on the embassy’s administrative staff. The two were killed by gunfire as they emerged from an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum.
Law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 30, who reportedly has a history of activism against the war in Gaza. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies were reviewing his social media accounts and other past activities as of press time. Rodriguez was charged on May 22 in federal court with two counts of first-degree murder.
In the wake of the shooting, security at Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions has been heightened worldwide. Reports across the U.S. indicate similar measures are taking place around synagogues and other sensitive locations.
In Beverly Hills, Mayor Nazarian issued the following statement:
“We are absolutely devastated to learn of the news out of Washington D.C. this evening. Just as we held a powerful event in Beverly Hills tonight celebrating the diversity of the Jewish experience, hatred and antisemitism were on full display in our nation’s capital.
Two innocent lives were lost at the hands of pure evil. The victims, who were employees of the Israeli embassy and about to be engaged, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were senselessly gunned down by a man who later yelled ‘Free Palestine.’
This is the reason we need to stand up, speak out and say Never Again is Now. On behalf of the City Council and the entire Beverly Hills community, we send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. May their memory be a blessing.
The safety and security of the community remains our top priority. The Beverly Hills Police Department continues to actively monitor the latest information.”
