Couple shot dead outside Jewish museum in Washington DC

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were described as being in the "prime of their lives" by the Israeli embassy, where they both worked. Mr Lischinsky was reportedly about to propose to Miss Milgrim.

The alleged shooter, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, was filmed shouting "free, free Palestine" while being detained. He is now in custody.

Israel's foreign minister said the attack was a direct result of "toxic antisemetic incitement" since the 7 October 2023 attack that prompted Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The FBI is investigating whether the shooting is linked to terrorism or a hate crime.

The couple were leaving a networking event at the museum, organised by the American Jewish Committee, at about 21:08 (local time) when a man opened fire with a handgun at a group of four people.

The suspect then went inside the museum. Witnesses said that they initially thought the man was distressed and gave him water.

"We heard gunshots and then a guy came in... we thought he needed help," eyewitness Katie Kalisher told the BBC, referring to the suspect before they realised he was the alleged shooter.

Footage then captures the suspect shouting "free, free Palestine" while being detained by police.

Metropolitan Police Department chief Pamela Smith said officers "have not had any prior interactions" and did not see anything in his background "that would have placed him on our radar".

The Israeli Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, told reporters that Mr Lischinsky had just bought an engagement ring and was planning to propose to Miss Milgrim next week in Jerusalem.

"They were a beautiful couple."