Florida lawmakers and officials swiftly denounced the murder of a Jewish couple outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
"This is a horrific act of violence in our nation’s capital, and there needs to be an investigation to determine whether this was a targeted attack," U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) said. "My condolences to the victims, their loved ones, and the Israeli embassy."
Rep. Moskowitz, who is also Jewish, called on his colleagues to do more to combat antisemitism following the murder. The alleged shooter in the attack reportedly yelled "free, free Palestine" after being taken into custody.
"This attack was based on antisemitism. The hatred against Jews continues to spread. It’s moving at a rapid pace. We are not doing enough to combat it," Moskowitz added.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) vowed the horrible attack would be fully prosecuted.
"A young Jewish couple was gunned-down in our nation's capital by a killer who yelled Free Palestine," Donalds said."This is anti-Semitic violence, this is murder, & this heinous attack must be prosecuted to the fullest-extent of the law. We stand with our Jewish neighbors. Never Again is Now."
Both victims, who were Israeli Embassy employees, were later identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim. It has been reported that Lischinsky had planned to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem next week.
Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power also condemned the murder.
"This is horrifying and sad. We have allowed anti-semitism to creep into our political discourse and this is the end result," Power said. "We must do better. Prayers for the families of these two aides who were simply attending an event in our nation's capital."
The shooting was allegedly committed by Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, Rodriguez was pacing up and down outside the museum before opening fire with a handgun on four people, including the two victims.
In further reaction, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-FL) stressed the alleged shooter would face accountability for his alleged crime.
"Thoughts and prayers to our friends at the Israeli embassy. The barbarians who committed this atrocity should be identified and held accountable. Evil is real," Patronis said.
