Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC, were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday night (local time), in what US authorities are calling a possible act of anti-Semitic violence. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from both American and Israeli officials.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem confirmed the deaths on social media, stating, “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.”
Reacting to the incident, former US President Donald Trump said the killings were rooted in anti-Semitism. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, now! 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!”
An official from the Israeli embassy told CNN that the ambassador was not present at the time of the shooting and was not involved in the incident.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro arrived at the crime scene shortly after the attack. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), are actively investigating the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that his team had been briefed and was coordinating with MPD. He urged the public to “pray for the victims and their families” and promised timely updates.
The shooting has sparked outrage in Israel as well. Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the attack, calling it “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” In a strongly worded statement on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. 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.”
As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to publicly name the victims or confirm whether the attack was targeted. The Jewish Museum and surrounding areas remain under tight security as officials review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
