‘Toxic Anti-Semitism’: Australian Senators on Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff

Elias Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.

A man draped in the Israeli flag, bearing a cross and the name "Jesus" at its center, gestures as Metropolitan Police officers secure the area outside the Capital Jewish Museum following a shooting that left two people dead in Washington, DC, in the early hours of May 22, 2025. Two Israeli embassy staffers were shot dead late Wednesday, May 21, outside a Jewish museum in Washington by a gunman who shouted "free Palestine," authorities said, with US officials and Israeli diplomats expressing shock and outrage over the killings. Photo by Alex WROBLEWSKI / AFP

Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has expressed his horror at the recent act of terror in Washington in which two Israeli embassy staff were killed.

This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to boost security at embassies around the world after the young couple were fatally shot in an allegedly targeted anti-Semitic attack.

In a post to Instagram, Sharma linked the incident to anti-Semitism and conveyed his condolences.

Before entering federal politics, Sharma served as Australia’s ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017.

“I am horrified by the terrorist attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington D.C. A couple, about to become engaged, were killed,” he said.

“They are victims of a toxic anti-Semitism that has been growing largely unchecked throughout the world. My sincere condolences to the family and embassy staff.”

Suspect Charged

Elias Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum.

Rodriguez, 30, was allegedly heard shouting “free free Palestine” after the incident.

He has also been charged with murder of foreign officials, causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, court documents reveal (pdf).

In a post to social media, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino urged Americans to pray for the families of the victims.

“This is something no parent, family member, or friend should have to go through. The FBI sends our condolences and will offer our full support as the investigation continues,” he said.

No Place for Anti-Semitism in the World

Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed her thoughts for the families of the victims, their loved ones and colleagues.

“The Australian government is shocked and appalled by the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington D.C.,” she said.

“There is no place for anti-Semitism in the world. It must be denounced and condemned.”

Meanwhile, the Australian Jewish Association said it was appalled by the deadly attack.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this tragic time,” the AJA said.

Its chief executive officer, Robert Gregory, said the attack served as a stark warning to Australia.

“We believe it is only a matter of time before anti-Israel extremists carry out serious violence or cause loss of life here,” he said.

Gregory called for an “urgent crackdown” on “anti-Israel extremists” in Australia. He claimed recent political statements in Australia had led to an increase in threats against Jewish targets in Sydney.

“We urge authorities to act before it is too late and we call on political leaders to show restraint and avoid rhetoric that contributes to division and hatred.”

Recently, Wong joined foreign leaders from 22 other nations to call for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza.

“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need,” the joint statement said.

The statement said Israel’s security cabinet had reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the “U.N. and our humanitarian partners cannot support.”

“They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone,” foreign leaders added.

“Prior to the aid block, the U.N. and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel.”