Israeli officials shot dead after event at Washington museum
According to local media, the victims—a man and a woman—were leaving an event at the museum when they were shot at close range.
Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, in what officials believe was a targeted attack.
According to local media, the victims—a man and a woman—were leaving an event at the museum when they were shot at close range around 3rd and F Streets NW, an area surrounded by tourist spots, museums, and government buildings, including the FBI’s Washington field office.
A spokesman for the Israeli embassy confirmed the two were staff members and said, "We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel's representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States."
The Israeli ambassador was not present at the event when the shooting occurred, reports indicate. Multiple employees of the embassy were at the event, which was hosted by the American Jewish Committee.
Ted Deutch, the organisation’s CEO, said, "We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue. 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."
The incident drew strong reactions from both Israeli and US officials.
"Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC," said US Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem.
"Please pray for the families of the victims. We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice."
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, described the attack as a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism."
He added, "Harming diplomats and 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."
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also condemned the shooting, calling it a "horrific act of terror that the people of Israel are waking up to this morning."
The shooting led to a major police response and lockdowns in parts of the city, including at the Capitol campus of Georgetown University.
"When we went to leave, the cops and security were downstairs and told us we can't leave," one student said. "And they are still here telling us we can't leave."
Authorities have launched a search for the suspect, described by sources as a goateed man wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket.
In recent months, Jewish institutions in the US have increased security due to rising antisemitism.
Executive Director of the Capital Jewish Museum, Beatrice Gurwitz, had earlier told NBC News, "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."
She added that the museum had recently received a security grant due to an exhibit on LGBT pride.
"We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well. 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," said Beatrice.
