Israeli Embassy Staff Shot Dead Outside DC Museum

Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were tragically shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night, according to U.S. Homeland Security officials.

The victims, a male and a female employee, were attacked by an unidentified assailant as they were leaving the museum. The incident has prompted an active investigation by local and federal authorities.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the killings as senseless and urged the public to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts. “We are actively investigating and working to gather more information. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she wrote on social media.

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the shooting as a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” emphasizing that harming the Jewish community crosses a red line. He expressed confidence that U.S. authorities will respondwashing decisively and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens and representatives worldwide.

Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, voiced trust in law enforcement agencies at both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and ensure the safety of Israel’s officials and Jewish communities across the U.S.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that his team has been briefed and is coordinating with the Metropolitan Police Department to investigate the shooting. “We are working closely with MPD to respond and learn more. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Patel said.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC), which hosted an event at the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening, expressed deep sorrow over the violent attack. “We are devastated by this unspeakable act of violence outside our venue. Our hearts go out to those harmed and their families as we await further details,” the organization stated.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for the assailant responsible for the fatal shooting.