Incident at Jewish Museum in Washington D.C.

Two employees from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were tragically shot and killed near a Jewish museum on Wednesday evening. Israeli officials have labeled the incident an anti-Semitic terrorist act.

The shooting occurred not far from the FBI’s Washington Field office in Northwest D.C. Homeland Security Secretary Krista Noem confirmed the deaths and shared on social media that an extensive investigation is underway, with federal authorities collaborating with local police to piece together the events.

“The loss of two Israeli Embassy staff members, in such a senseless act, is devastating,” Noem stated. “We are deeply involved in the investigation and will provide more details soon. Let’s keep the victims’ families in our thoughts.”

The identities of the victims have not yet been released; however, local sources suggest that both were part of the U.S. Israeli diplomatic mission. The Israeli Embassy has acknowledged the event but has not commented further, indicating that the ambassador was not at the scene during the attack.

Police were prompt in their response, securing the area around the museum shortly after the shooting was reported. A spokesperson mentioned that they are actively seeking witnesses and examining surveillance footage.

At the time of the shooting, the Capital Jewish Museum, which opened its current location in 2023, was hosting an event coordinated by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). AJC CEO Ted Deutch expressed his dismay, remarking, “What happened outside our venue is an unspeakable act of violence.”

Shortly after the incident, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy and D.C. District Attorney Janine Piro were reportedly on-site. Bondi noted on social media that authorities are working together for a comprehensive federal response and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Danny Danon, Israel’s UN ambassador, condemned the attack on social media, referring to it as “a cowardly act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”