MA State Police On High Alert After 'Hate-Fueled Act Of Violence' In Washington D.C.

MASSACHUSETTS — Top Massachusetts intelligence officials briefed State Police commanders and Gov. Maura Healey Thursday morning on how the state is prepared for any corresponding antisemitic attacks following the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside of an American Jewish Committee event in Washington D.C.

Gov. Maura Healey called the shootings "a senseless, hate-filled act of violence" as leaders called for an end to hate and violence targeting members of the Jewish community across the country.

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"There is no justification for antisemitism or violence — in our nation's capital or anywhere else," she said in a Thursday morning statement. "My thoughts are with (the families of victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim), friends and colleagues, and I’m sending love and support to the Jewish community.

"I’m grateful to the first responders and law enforcement who responded quickly to the scene and are working in communities across the country to keep people safe."

Healey said she and the Massachusetts State Police remain in close collaboration with federal, state and local partners to monitor new information and "ensure the safety of Massachusetts communities."

The Commonwealth Fusion Center, the state's primary intelligence function, briefed Healey and State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble Thursday morning and has been directed to keep the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security apprised of any developments.

At this time, there is no known connection or any direct threat to Massachusetts, State Police said.

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Salem) said antisemitic terrorism "has no place in this world."

"Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim had their entire lives ahead of them, and they were murdered for being Jewish," Moulton said. "This is why so many American Jews and Jews around the world live in fear with the rise of antisemitism, and they deserve our help and protection like all persecuted people.

"My heart is with their families, friends, embassy coworkers – and the entire Jewish community."

U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Newton) said late Wednesday night: "This heinous double murder demonstrates the depths to which hatred of Jews is descending in the anti-Israel mob."

U.S. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) added in a statement: "I want to be clear: there is no place for antisemitism here or anywhere, and we must stand united against all forms of hate."

According to the Associated Press, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, “Free, free Palestine” after he was arrested, police said.

Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged.

The couple were leaving the event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect, who had been seen pacing outside the museum, approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.

The gunman, identified by police as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, then walked into the museum, was detained by event security and began chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” Smith said.

Associated Press material was used in this report.

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