MENG STATEMENT ON MURDER OF ISRAELI DIPLOMATS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) released the following statement on the murder of two Israeli diplomats, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, outside a Jewish community event in Washington, D.C. last night:

“I am horrified by the murder of two innocent young people, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, last night. Yaron and Sarah were attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum about coexistence—a tribute to the values they lived. My heart is with their families, their loved ones, and the Jewish community. Your worst fears have been realized once again, and your pain is heard and felt across the country.

This act of antisemitic terror was not random. It was stoked by the demonization of Israel and the Jewish people, which has skyrocketed since October 7, 2023. We must stand united against it and reject calls for violence, or its normalization – our communities and democracy depend on it.

As the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science—which funds law enforcement and hate crime prevention programs—I will continue fighting for federal dollars that support our communities’ ability to stop these attacks before they happen. Earlier today, I was briefed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on their involvement in this case. In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to monitor its progress and continue the call for accountability for the perpetrator. I have also reached out to local and national Jewish and Israeli community leaders—including Ambassador Leiter, Consul General Akunis, and AJC CEO Ted Deutch—to express my condolences and offer support.

Hate, bigotry, and violence have no place in any community. I know that many of my constituents are reeling from this attack, and my office stands ready to help those in my district who may need assistance. "