Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Washington D.C. police began investigating after reports indicated two victims had been shot across the street from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, near the museum, according to CNN. Around 10 p.m., Noem said the two killed were staff members for the Israeli Embassy, saying on X that the department is working to gather more information.
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” Noem wrote.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro were at the scene, adding they are working to learn more information.
“I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum with @USAttyPirro. Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi wrote.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said during a press conference that a 30-year-old suspect had been pacing outside of the museum prior to the incident. The suspect then approached a group of four people before opening fire.
After shooting the two victims the suspect walked into the museum, being detained by event security. While being taken into custody by officials the suspect chanted “free, free Palestine,” Smith said.
According to ABC7, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) Ted Deutch told the outlet that the AJC had been hosting an event at the museum the night of the incident.
“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue. At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families,” Deutch told the outlet.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon reacted to the incident on his X profile, calling it a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”
“The fatal shooting that took place outside the event that took place at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line,” Danon wrote.
“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world,” Danon added.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, writing on Truth Social that “antisemitism must end.”
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” Trump wrote. “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!”
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