Patrols Increased At Jewish Places Of Worship, Greenwich Police Say

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department announced Thursday that, effective immediately, it is increasing patrols at Jewish places of worship and other community institutions throughout town following the fatal shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21.

Greenwich Police said while there is no known local threat at this time, the department remains "fully committed to standing with our Jewish community and ensuring the security of all who call Greenwich home."

"In light of this event, and in recognition of the ongoing threats facing Jewish and Israeli-affiliated institutions—the Greenwich Police Department has taken proactive steps to support and protect our community," police said in a Facebook post. "These enhanced patrols are precautionary and intended to provide visible reassurance and promote a sense of safety for all our residents."

The GPD said its "hearts are with the victims, their families, and all those impacted" by the shooting.

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Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were shot and killed Wednesday evening while leaving an event at the Capital Jewish museum, and the suspect yelled, "Free, free Palestine" after he was arrested, police said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

Lischinsky was a research assistant, and Milgrim organized visits and missions to Israel. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect approached a group of four people and opened fire, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference.

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter said Lischinsky and Milgrim were about to be engaged, saying Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem.

The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was seen pacing outside the museum before the shooting, walked into the museum after the shooting and was detained by event security, Smith said.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch Editor Deb Belt