America’s capital was shaken Monday by two alarming incidents — a woman shot while attempting to breach CIA headquarters and the cold-blooded murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. The timing has raised serious national security concerns, as investigators scramble to determine if there’s a broader threat behind these violent acts.
CIA Guard Shoots Woman After Security Breach
A female driver was shot by CIA security after attempting to force her way through the gates of CIA headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Despite repeated warnings, the woman accelerated toward the secure barrier and was fired upon by guards, suffering upper body injuries that are reportedly non-life-threatening.
The CIA facility went into immediate lockdown, and FBI agents swarmed the area to investigate. While her motive is still unknown, the attempted breach occurred just hours after the brutal murder of Israeli Embassy personnel in nearby Washington, D.C., prompting questions about a possible connection.
Israeli Embassy Workers Gunned Down in Suspected Hate Crime
Earlier that same day, two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in what officials are calling a potential antisemitic terror attack. Victims Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim were reportedly a couple planning to get engaged, with Lischinsky having purchased a ring days before the attack.
BREAKING: Female driver SHOT by outer perimeter guards while attempting to ram through the security gate at CIA Headquarters in McLean, Virginia. FBI on scene investigating.
RADICAL LEFTISTS ARE FULLY ACTIVATED. pic.twitter.com/XJm69i1lPL
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) May 22, 2025
The suspect, Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, was arrested at the scene. Witnesses say he shouted “Free Palestine” during the arrest, fueling fears of politically motivated violence. The case is being handled as a hate crime and may soon move into federal court as a domestic terrorism investigation.
Trump, Netanyahu Condemn Attacks, Demand Action
Former President Donald Trump issued a strong statement following the embassy killings:
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA.”
🚨CIA guards shot a female driver who tried to ram through a security gate at the headquarters around 4:00 am this morning in McLean, Virginia.
The woman was taken to the hospital with gunshot wound injuries described as non life-threatening. FBI on scene now as well.… pic.twitter.com/tCQeFevqg1
— Tony Seruga (@TonySeruga) May 22, 2025
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also slammed the attack as an act of terrorism. The victims were remembered as a “beautiful couple” who had dedicated themselves to diplomacy and peace. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged full federal support for both investigations and emphasized the need for increased security at federal and diplomatic sites.
Authorities say no ongoing threat has been identified, but both incidents have exposed serious vulnerabilities in national security infrastructure — vulnerabilities America cannot afford to ignore.
Sources:
2 Israeli Embassy staff shot and killed outside Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. – CBS News