WORCESTER, Mass. - We're hearing from our local Jewish community after an act of violence takes two lives in Washington, D.C. Two workers at the Israeli embassy were shot and killed outside an event Wednesday night. 

Metropolitan Police say the people killed were a couple, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. They were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the suspect allegedly approached them and opened fire.

Police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, saying he was observed pacing outside the museum before the shooting. Rodriguez allegedly yelled 'Free Palestine' after event security detained him.

Israeli leaders call the killing devastating, saying they're praying for the victims and sending support to staff at the embassy. The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. says the couple was about to be engaged.

The executive director of the local Jewish Federation Steven Schimmel says there has to be an end to the violence and hate.

"We've been warning of the dangers of inciting, propagandized, exaggerated rhetoric for 600 days going back to October 7th," said Schimmel. "This is a moment when we should speak with clarity and responsibility, whether that's in our local city council chambers or at the elected federal level or from personalities. Anyone with a public platform needs to speak with responsibility and clarity."

Governor Maura Healey released a statement saying she's outraged by the murders. She went on to say, "This was a senseless, hate-fueled act of violence. There is no justification for antisemitism or violence – in our nation’s capital or anywhere else."

Massachusetts State Police also put out a statement, saying while there appears to be no known connection or direct threat to Massachusetts, they remain in close collaboration with federal, state and local partners to monitor the situation. 

The Governor's office is reminding the public while there are no direct threats, it's important to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.