President Trump had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday following the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy members outside the Washington capital Jewish Museum the previous night.
According to police, the suspect approached the museum shouting “Free, free Palestine,” before being apprehended. The victims were identified as Jaron Lisinski and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the leaders had a constructive discussion, which notably included the tragic events that unfolded in Washington, D.C.
Leavitt indicated that Trump felt both “sad and furious” about the shooting, referring to the young couple as “star couples” during the White House Daily Press Briefing.
“Our society must shine a light on the evil of anti-Semitism,” Leavitt remarked. She added that Attorney General Pam Bondy stated the suspect would face charges on Thursday morning.
In a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Trump expressed his deep sorrow over the shocking deaths of embassy staff Yaron Lisinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for the efforts made by him and his administration in addressing anti-Semitism in the U.S.
Leavitt noted that the two leaders had already discussed Iran in relation to upcoming nuclear talks in Rome.
Trump condemned the shooting on Thursday, labeling the suspect’s actions as “clearly based on anti-Semitism,” and called for a halt to “hate and extremism.”
Bondi, who visited the scene both Wednesday night and Thursday morning, also communicated with Netanyahu afterwards. As reported from Netanyahu’s office, Bondy conveyed that Trump was actively managing the response to the incident and that the U.S. would bring the suspect to trial.
Dan Bongino, the FBI’s deputy director, stated that the suspect was in custody and had been interviewed the previous night. He also mentioned that the penalties for the shooter would be severe as they intensified the investigation.
