First Lady Melania Trump issued a public statement on May 22, 2025, referencing the historic Latin motto “E Pluribus Unum” in response to the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C.
Israeli Embassy staffers Sarah Lynn Milgrim, 26, and Yaron Lischinsky, 30, were fatally shot on the evening of May 21, 2025, as they left the Capital Jewish Museum in Northwest Washington after attending an American Jewish Committee event focused on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The incident took place shortly after 9 p.m. when suspect Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, Illinois, approached a group outside the museum and opened fire with a handgun. He continued shooting while Milgrim attempted to crawl away. Police Chief Pamela Smith noted that Rodriguez had been seen pacing outside the museum before the attack.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum appearing distressed. Witnesses, unaware of his involvement, offered him water. Upon police arrival, he confessed to the crime, shouting “Free, free Palestine” and displaying a red keffiyeh, according to eyewitnesses.
President Donald Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, condemning what he described as antisemitic violence. Trump extended condolences to the victims’ families and stated that hatred and radicalism are unacceptable in the United States.
Melania Trump’s statement, released Thursday afternoon on social media, began with the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one.” This motto served as the United States’ traditional motto before being replaced by “In God We Trust” in 1956. The phrase was suggested by a committee on July 4, 1776, and officially adopted with the Great Seal by Congress in 1782.
The First Lady emphasized constitutional principles, highlighting tolerance, unity, and religious freedom as central to American governance. She urged Americans to consider their collective identity and future while committing to uphold individual dignity.
Melania Trump mentioned both victims by name in her statement, underscoring the need for moral clarity and decisive action. She called for unity in grief and determination to confront hatred, concluding with “We Are One.”
Federal prosecutors have charged Rodriguez with multiple felonies, including two counts of first-degree murder, murder of foreign officials, causing death through firearm use, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. Interim U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that further charges might follow as the investigation continues, treating the case as a hate crime and an act of terrorism.
The victims met at the embassy in late 2023, with Lischinsky planning to propose during an upcoming trip to Israel. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter revealed that Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring earlier that week, intending to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem.
Lischinsky, a German-born Israeli citizen, worked as a research assistant in the embassy’s political department. Milgrim, from Overland Park, Kansas, organized missions and visits to Israel. Colleagues described them as passionate about peace-building and people-to-people relations.
The American Jewish Committee event focused on multi-faith humanitarian aid efforts in conflict regions, including Gaza. Approximately 50 people attended the reception for young diplomats and foreign policy professionals.
Melania Trump has maintained a low public profile since her husband’s second inauguration in January 2025, spending fewer than two weeks at the White House. She made several public appearances this week, including speaking at the White House Rose Garden in support of the “TAKE IT DOWN” bill against revenge porn and AI-generated deepfakes.
On May 21, the First Lady also addressed the Senate Spouses Luncheon at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., emphasizing her BE BEST platform and reaffirming her commitment to the Fostering the Future initiative, aimed at improving children’s lives.
The shooting prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order increased security at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. Security experts described the attack as appearing well-planned, with the gunman waiting for the victims to emerge.
