The NYPD has boosted security at sensitive Jewish locations across the city after a shooting in Washington D.C. in front of the Capital Jewish Museum.

It happened just after 9 p.m. Wednesday outside the museum, where the American Jewish Committee was hosting a reception for young diplomats.

Two young aides from the Israeli Embassy were shot and killed outside.

What You Need To Know

  • The NYPD has boosted security at sensitive Jewish locations across the city after a shooting in Washington D.C. in front of the Capital Jewish Museum

  • They were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American couple

  • Mayor Eric Adams hosted an interfaith vigil on Thursday to denounce the killings

  • Members of the Jewish community joined Christian and Muslim leaders and the mayor to condemn the killings of the Israeli embassy staffers

They were identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American couple. They were a young couple about to be engaged, according to the Israeli ambassador to the U.S.

Police said the suspect, identified as Elias Rodirguez, 30, of Chicago, was seen pacing near the entrance before opening fire.

Rodriguez was arrested and shouted “Free, free Palestine,” according to police.

Mayor Eric Adams hosted an interfaith vigil on Thursday to denounce the killings.

“I wish we didn’t have to be here. I wish those two young people could have the future and I love that they expressed for each other,” Rabbi Bob Kaplan of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York said at the gathering.

Members of the Jewish community joined Christian and Muslim leaders and the mayor to condemn the killings of the Israeli embassy staffers.

“Deputy mayor of counterintelligence is monitoring any chatter and the police commissioner will be sure to deploy the manpower that’s needed to protect sensitive locations,” Adams said.

In the wake of the attack, the NYPD added more patrols, weapons teams and counterterrorism officers at places like Manhattan’s Center for Jewish History, which is where Thursday’s interfaith gathering was held.

At one point, the mayor connected the attack to pro-Palestinian protests on college Campuses.

“We heard so many people claim these protests aren’t antisemitic, they’re just anti-Israel,” Adams said. “We cannot color code hatred. Today is proof of what I’ve been saying the whole time. They’re one and the same and they must stop.”

Leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton, Muhammad Rasvi of the Council of People’s Organization, a Muslim nonprofit organization, and Joseph Potasnik of The New York Board of Rabbis, also emphasized the connection between various faith groups.

“Anti-Semitism, is anti-Christianity, is anti-Islam,” Potasnik said. “When Jews are slaughtering at a temple in Pittsburgh, when a young Jewish Yeshiva kid is killed on the Brooklyn Bridge, we are not safe. All of us, regardless of our faith and traditions — we are many! But we are one.”

“You cannot be a faith leader if you only stand up for people in your own faith,” Sharpton said.