Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot at close range on Wednesday evening while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
A man and a woman were fatally shot near 3rd and F Streets in Northwest Washington, D.C., close to the Capital Jewish Museum, an FBI field office and the US Attorney’s Office, stated a Reuters report.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith stated that a lone suspect, observed pacing outside the museum prior to the incident, is in custody. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine, Free Palestine," in custody, she said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack and in a statemnet said, “I am devastated by the scenes in Washington DC. This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy. Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured.”
“I send my full support to the Ambassador and all the embassy staff. We stand with the Jewish community in DC and across the US. America and Israel will stand united in defense of our people and our shared values. Terror and hate will not break us,” he added.
President Donald Trump expressed that the recent killings in Washington, D.C., which he believes were clearly motivated by antisemitism, need to stop immediately. He emphasised that hatred and extremism have no place in the United States.
“These horrible D.C. 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!,” posted Trump.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shared the news via a post on X. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was at the scene with US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, confirmed the incident.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the attack as a “heinous act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” Police have not yet disclosed a motive, with a news conference scheduled for later Wednesday.
“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,” Danon said in a post on X. “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.”
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel said he and his team had been briefed on the shooting. "While we’re working with [Metropolitan Police Department] to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families," he wrote on X.
Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, reported that two staff members were shot "at close range" while attending a Jewish event at the museum.
Source: India Today