Darin LaHood, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 16th congressional district (R) | https://lahood.house.gov/about
Darin LaHood, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 16th congressional district (R) | https://lahood.house.gov/about
Darin LaHood, the Representative for Illinois’ 16th Congressional District, expressed his sorrow over the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim at the Capital Jewish Museum. "His thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones," he said.
"I am heartbroken by the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, young professionals attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum," said LaHood, U.S. Representative of Illinois's 16th congressional district (R), according to Facebook. "Let this be a reminder to us all: antisemitic violence has no place in our country. My thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones."
According to a Fox News report linked in Representative LaHood’s Facebook post, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the murders as potential hate crimes. The shooting took place at 9:08 p.m. outside the museum during an event for young Jewish professionals involved in foreign policy. Lischinsky was an Israeli citizen raised in Germany; his father is Jewish and his mother Christian, according to Fox News. Milgrim was American. Israel’s ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, told the media that Lischinsky had intended to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem.
Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's May 22 Facebook post
| U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood's Facebook page
The suspect has been identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old resident of Chicago. Witnesses reported seeing him pacing outside the museum before he approached a group, drew a handgun, and shot Lischinsky and Milgrim. He then entered the museum where security detained him. According to CBS News, Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" while being taken into custody. The Metro Police Department informed CBS that Rodriguez had not been on their radar and did not appear in initial crime database searches. Authorities believe he acted alone.
LaHood has served in the U.S. Congress representing Illinois's 16th District since 2023. He previously served as a member of the Illinois State House of Representatives from the 18th District from 2015 to 2023.
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