First Lady Melania Trump released a rare public statement on May 22, 2025, invoking the historic Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” following 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 shot and killed on the evening of May 21, 2025, as they left the Capital Jewish Museum in Northwest Washington after an American Jewish Committee event focused on humanitarian aid initiatives for Gaza.
The incident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. when suspect Elias Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago, Illinois, approached a group of four people outside the museum and opened fire with a handgun. Despite Milgrim’s attempts to crawl away after being wounded, Rodriguez continued firing. Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that Rodriguez was seen pacing outside the museum before the attack.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum appearing distressed, with witnesses offering him water, unaware he was the shooter. When police arrived about ten minutes later, he confessed to the crime, shouting “Free, free Palestine” while being arrested and displaying a red keffiyeh, according to several eyewitness accounts.
President Donald Trump responded early Thursday morning 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 have no place in the United States.
Melania Trump’s statement, shared Thursday afternoon on social media, began with the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” meaning “Out of many, one.” This phrase was the traditional motto of the United States until it was replaced by “In God We Trust” in 1956. The Latin motto was initially proposed by a committee on July 4, 1776, and officially adopted with the Great Seal by Congress in 1782.
The First Lady’s message highlighted constitutional values, emphasizing that tolerance, unity, and religious freedom are central to American governance. She urged Americans to reflect on their collective identity and future while remaining dedicated to upholding individual dignity.
In her statement, Melania Trump mentioned both victims by name, describing their deaths as underscoring the need for moral clarity and decisive action. She encouraged Americans to unite in grief and resolve to confront hatred while adhering to national ideals, 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 may be forthcoming as the investigation progresses, with authorities treating the case as both a hate crime and an act of terrorism.
The victims met at the embassy in late 2023, and Lischinsky had plans to propose during an upcoming trip to Israel. Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter disclosed that Lischinsky had purchased an engagement ring earlier that week with the intention of proposing to Milgrim in Jerusalem.
Lischinsky, a German-born Israeli citizen, worked as a research assistant in the embassy’s political department, while Milgrim, originally from Overland Park, Kansas, organized missions and visits to Israel. Both were described by colleagues as dedicated to peace-building and fostering people-to-people relations.
The American Jewish Committee event they attended aimed to bring together multi-faith organizations to provide humanitarian aid to war-torn regions, including Gaza. Approximately 50 people attended the reception for young diplomats and foreign policy professionals.
Melania Trump has maintained a notably low public profile since her husband’s second inauguration in January 2025, spending fewer than two weeks at the White House. However, she made several public appearances this week, including speaking at the White House Rose Garden to support the “TAKE IT DOWN” bill aimed at addressing 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., highlighting her BE BEST platform and reaffirming her commitment to the Fostering the Future initiative, which focuses on improving children’s lives.
The shooting has led 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 observing the location and waiting for his targets.