Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC in what is being described as a ‘depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.’
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon confirmed the victims of Wednesday night’s attack, a man and a woman, were Israeli government employees.
He said: ‘The shooting outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington – in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured – is a criminal act of anti-Semitic terrorism.’
‘Attacking diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line.’
It is understood the suspected shooter shouted ‘Free Palestine’ as he was arrested, which is now being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
‘We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,’ Danon said. ‘Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.’
The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum on Wednesday night, CEO Ted Deutch confirmed.
The sold-out event was touted as a night ‘bringing together Jewish young professionals (22-45) and the D.C. diplomatic community.’
The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum on Wednesday night, CEO Ted Deutch confirmed
It is understood the shooter shouted ‘Free Palestine ‘ during the vicious attack, which is now being investigated by the FBI ‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon confirmed the incident on Wednesday night, branding it ‘anti-Semitic terrorism’
The evening was ‘dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating Jewish heritage’, featuring ‘appetizers, cocktails, conversations, and a special guest speaker.’
It was scheduled to take place 6.30pm and 9pm, and the shooting occured about 9.15pm.
‘We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,’ Deutch said.
‘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.’
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokeswoman for the Israeli Embassy, said the duo were shot ‘at close range’ as they attended the event.
Initial reports suggested one of the victims died at the scene while another was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Later updates confirmed both victims had tragically died.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she had arrived on the scene alongside DC attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
‘I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum,’ she wrote on X. ‘Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.’
The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum (pictured) on Wednesday night
The victims, a man and a woman, have ties to the Israeli embassy and were in the area taking part in an event at the museum
At least two people are dead after a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC in what is being described as a ‘depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism
Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the deaths as ‘senseless’ in a statement Wednesday night.
‘Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,’ she wrote.
‘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.’
Senator Chuck Schumer also weighed in, writing: ‘I’m closely monitoring the shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum tonight in DC.
‘This sickening shooting seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism which as we know is all too rampant in our society. I’m praying for those who were killed, all those affected, and their families.’
Arizona Congressman Abe Hamadeh said: ‘An assassin screamed “Free Palestine!” outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, and murdered an Israeli diplomat and her companion.
‘This was an act of terror and antisemitism, and the perpetrator(s) must be brought to justice.’
The FBI ‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force swiftly responded to the scene and is reportedly investigating
Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.
Initial reports suggested one of the victims died at the scene while another was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Later updates confirmed both victims had tragically died
Less than 24 hours ago, the Capital Jewish Museum was awarded a security grant amid ongoing concerns about the safety of guests and staff.
‘Jewish institutions all around town, all around the country, are concerned about security due to some very scary incidents that some institutions have faced and because of a climate of antisemitism,’ Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said.
‘So, we invest a lot of money in security to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the broad public, that this is a welcoming space, but that people are also safe in this space.’
The museum recently launched a new exhibit which they feared would amplify the risks of an attack – LGBT Jews in the Federal City – to coincide with World Pride.
‘We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,’ Gurwitz said. ‘And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.’
This is a breaking news story. More to come.
