Two Israeli embassy staffers, who were soon to be engaged, were shot and killed by a suspect who reportedly shouted "Free free Palestine" outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, in what is being described as a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism."
Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, confirmed that the two victims attacked on Wednesday night—a man and a woman—were employees of the Israeli embassy. According to NBC 4, which cited two sources, one of the two victims who was killed was a diplomat. It remains unclear whether the three wounded people were members of the embassy staff.
Act of Anti-Semitic Terrorism
"Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line," he said on X. "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."
Gunfire erupted outside the museum at 575 3rd Street NW, close to the FBI field office and the U.S. attorney's office, according to the report. Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, confirmed that his organization was holding a Young Diplomats gathering at the museum at that time.
"We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue," he said.
"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 FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is currently leading the investigation.
Police are in the hunt for a suspect described as a man with a goatee, dressed in a blue jacket and jeans, who was last spotted on F Street in the northwest part of the city.
Peaceful Gathering Turns Deadly
The sold-out event was promoted as an evening aimed at connecting Jewish young professionals (ages 22 to 45) with members of the diplomatic community in D.C. It was described as a night focused on promoting unity and honoring Jewish culture, with offerings such as appetizers, drinks, discussions, and a special guest speaker.
The event was scheduled between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., with the shooting taking place shortly after, around 9:15 p.m.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, said that the two were shot "at close range" while attending the event.
Initial reports indicated that one of the victims was died at the scene, while the other was transported to the hospital in critical condition. Later updates confirmed that both victims had died.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed her presence at the scene, accompanied by Washington, D.C. attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. "Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more," Bondi tweeted.
Homeland Security's Krisi Noem pledged to hold the "depraved" gunman to justice. "Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC," she posted online.
"We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share. Please pray for the families of the victims."
