New Delhi: On Wednesday evening, two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum, an act that Israeli officials are labeling as a ‘despicable instance of anti-Semitic terrorism.’
The shooting took place in close proximity to the FBI’s Washington Field Office, prompting a significant law enforcement response and leaving the Jewish and diplomatic communities in the city in shock. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the fatalities in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), offering condolences and pledging federal assistance for the investigation.
Footage from the scene showed a substantial police presence around the museum,
Footage from the scene showed a substantial police presence around the museum, which was closed at the time of the incident. The identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, as officials are withholding additional information until their families are notified. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was reportedly present at the scene with former judge and current U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, has not yet made a public statement regarding the ongoing investigation.
Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, condemned the shooting in a post on X, labeling it as an act of ‘anti-Semitic terrorism’ and urging U.S. authorities to take decisive action. ‘We are confident that U.S. authorities will respond strongly to those responsible for this criminal act,’ Danon stated. ‘Israel will continue to act decisively to safeguard its citizens and representatives worldwide.’
Police have not issued a formal statement regarding the suspect or the motive behind the attack. However, Josh Kraushaar of the Jewish Insider reported a witness account claiming that the shooter shouted ‘Free Palestine’ following the attack. The witness indicated that the suspect entered the museum seeking assistance, then displayed a keffiyeh and repeated the slogan before being apprehended by police. Authorities have yet to verify the witness’s account, and a press conference is anticipated later Wednesday evening to provide further updates.
