Two Israeli Embassy Staff Shot Dead Outside Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Two employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum, authorities confirmed Thursday.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Two Israeli Embassy staff were tragically killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We are actively investigating and working to gather more details. Please keep the victims’ families in your prayers.”
According to four senior law enforcement officials who spoke with NBC News, a man seen pacing near the museum opened fire, killing a man and a woman. The suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” while being apprehended, three officials said.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington, confirmed the victims were attending a Jewish community event at the time of the attack. “Two of our staff were shot at close range this evening outside the Capital Jewish Museum,” Cohen said in a statement on X.
Israeli officials have condemned the attack. Ambassador Danny Danon, Israel’s representative to the United Nations, described it as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,” adding that the violence occurred during a public event at the museum. “Targeting the Jewish community in this way crosses every line,” he stated.
Law enforcement has not yet publicly identified the shooter.
The American Jewish Committee, which was hosting an event at the museum during the shooting, confirmed the incident in a statement from CEO Ted Deutch.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said she was present at the scene, also offered condolences online, joining the chorus of officials expressing solidarity with the victims.
Secretary Noem further vowed accountability: “We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice,” she wrote on X.
The shooting occurred near 3rd and F Streets NW, just steps from the FBI’s Washington field office. The Capital Jewish Museum, where the attack unfolded, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the Jewish history and culture of the region.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated the bureau was working closely with local police and urged the public to pray for the victims and their families. A significant police presence, including U.S. Capitol Police units, was seen securing the area, according to video footage aired by NBC Washington.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who is Jewish, called the incident a “sickening act” and pointed to a disturbing rise in antisemitism across the U.S. “This horrific attack appears to be yet another violent expression of hatred that our society must confront head-on,” Schumer posted on X.
