US Cities Increase Security at Jewish Sites After Washington Embassy Shootings

Following the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., law enforcement agencies in major U.S. cities, including New York City and Miami, have increased security around Jewish institutions and cultural sites. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were killed by Elias Rodriguez, who was apprehended after shouting "Free, free Palestine." New York City and state officials have deployed high-visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers to sensitive locations despite no known direct threat to the city, with Mayor Eric Adams condemning the attack as an act of antisemitic violence linked to global anti-Israel sentiment. Similarly, Miami Beach has raised their security to the highest level, with Mayor Steven Meiner coordinating with county and state law enforcement to protect Jewish residents and institutions amid growing concerns of antisemitism nationwide. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have condemned the attack, highlighting the broader context of rising antisemitism and tensions related to the conflict in Gaza. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, and U.S. federal prosecutors are involved in the case.