Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton labeled the recent shooting at the Israeli Embassy as “antisemitic terrorism” during an appearance on HBO’s “Real Time,” while drawing a parallel between campus rhetoric and Trump’s statements about federal judges.
At a Glance
- Rep. Seth Moulton condemned the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members as “antisemitic terrorism” on HBO’s “Real Time”
- Moulton criticized both inflammatory rhetoric on college campuses and President Trump’s statements about federal judges
- The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a couple, with Lischinsky reportedly planning to propose
- The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” upon arrest and left a manifesto indicating political motivation
- Moulton warned Democrats must firmly condemn antisemitism and reject violence to avoid being defined by these issues in elections
The Shooting and Its Immediate Aftermath
The murder of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., has been linked to an individual with apparent Marxist beliefs, according to reports. The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were a couple, with Lischinsky reportedly planning to propose. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, allegedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” upon arrest and left a manifesto indicating political motivation for the murders. Law enforcement officials have described the incident as domestic terrorism.
In response to the attack, politicians from both parties issued statements condemning antisemitism. President Donald Trump wrote: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
Moulton’s Statements on Political Rhetoric
During his appearance on HBO’s “Real Time,” Representative Seth Moulton addressed the shooting directly, labeling it as “antisemitic terrorism.” He criticized chants commonly heard on college campuses calling for intifada and the destruction of Israel, suggesting such rhetoric contributes to a climate that can intensify conflicts. Moulton emphasized that while free speech is important, it should never be used as justification for violence.
“It also doesn’t help when Trump calls for violence against federal judges and violence over the last three months against federal judges goes way up,” said Rep. Seth Moulton.
Moulton drew a direct parallel between inflammatory rhetoric on college campuses and the increase in threats following Trump’s statements about federal judges. The Congressman pointed to data showing a rise in violence against judges in the three months following Trump’s controversial remarks, suggesting a concerning pattern of words leading to action.
The Broader Political Context
Moulton issued a clear warning to fellow Democrats about the political implications of failing to take a strong stand against antisemitism. He cautioned that if Democrats do not firmly condemn antisemitism and reject endorsements of violence, they risk being defined by these issues by Republicans. “We’re going to be defined by it by the Republicans and we’re going to lose elections. But, most importantly, we’re not going to keep people safe,” Moulton stated during the program.
“Heartbroken by the horrific murder of Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in DC. A young couple, full of promise, targeted and killed outside a Jewish museum. This act of terrorism and vile antisemitism must be condemned without hesitation. We mourn – we demand justice,” stated Ken Martin.
The Congressman stressed the importance of Democrats proving they can keep Americans safe, creating a contrast with what he characterized as Trump’s divisive rhetoric. Other Democratic lawmakers have also spoken out following the attack. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated that “antisemitism is a threat to all we hold dear as a society” and that it “must be confronted and rooted out everywhere.” Similarly, Senator Cory Booker emphasized the need to combat antisemitism while honoring the memories of the victims.
Concerns About Political Violence
The shooting has reignited debates about political violence in America. Some commentators have characterized the murders as the consequence of a campaign to dehumanize Jews and supporters of Israel. Critics have specifically pointed to chants and slogans such as “globalize the intifada” and “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as potentially contributing to an atmosphere that normalizes violence against Jews and Israelis.
The tragic killings have prompted calls from leaders across the political spectrum for an end to violence and greater care in political discourse. Many have emphasized that society must stop treating calls for murder or genocide as acceptable speech, regardless of the context. As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential real-world consequences of inflammatory rhetoric in an already tense political climate.
