BURSTLaw enforcement agencies across the country are ramping up security after two people were killed Wednesday outside of Washington’s Israeli Embassy.
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were gunned down by a male suspect after leaving the American Jewish Committee’s annual Young Diplomats Reception.
“While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in DC targeting Jews & Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites & cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers,” the New York Police Department said in a Thursday statement on X.
Other agencies said they would follow suit.
“Due to the horrific targeted act of hate and violence in Washington D.C., we are taking immediate steps to enhance security throughout Miami-Dade County. This means increased patrols around places of worship and cultural institutions, including synagogues, mosques and Jewish schools,” the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said in a Thursday post on X.
“We urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected, and rest assured we will do everything in our power to keep our community safe,” it concluded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said the country’s forces would increase global security operations.
“We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against the State of Israel. The blood libels against the Jewish state are rising in blood – and they must be fought to the bitter end,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X.
“My heart breaks for the families of the beloved young man and woman, who were brutally murdered by a despicable anti-Semitic terrorist. I have instructed security officials to strengthen protection arrangements for Israeli missions around the world, and to raise the level of security for all state envoys,” he added.
After the shooting, the suspect proceeded to walk into the museum and was then apprehended. After he was in custody, he shouted, “Free, free Palestine,” Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.
Smith said the suspect was in custody and posed no further threat to the community.
Yechiel Leiter, Israeli ambassador to the U.S., told reporters that the victims were a young couple about to get engaged. Lischinsky had purchased a ring and planned to propose in Jerusalem next week, Leiter added.