In a shocking incident on Wednesday night, two Israeli Embassy employees, consisting of a man and a woman, were tragically shot and killed while leaving the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. According to officials, the shooting occurred shortly after they exited an event hosted at the museum.
Sources from law enforcement informed CBS News that the victims included an Israeli diplomat and a female employee of the embassy. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting was a targeted attack. Reports indicate that a suspect, believed to be the shooter, is currently in custody.
Witnesses familiar with the events surrounding the shooting reported that the assailant shouted "free Palestine" just before the gunfire erupted. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem expressed her condolences on social media, stating, "Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC." Additionally, other employees of the Israeli Embassy present at the event sustained injuries, though specific details about their conditions have yet to be confirmed.
The shooting took place on F Street, conveniently located near the FBI's field office. Israeli Embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen elaborated on the incident via a social media post, confirming that the two staff members were shot at close range while attending a Jewish event at the museum.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, also addressed the situation on social media, noting that the shooting transpired outside the Jewish Museum event. He mentioned that two other Israeli Embassy employees were wounded, although this information has not been officially verified by authorities.
The shooting occurred around 9:15 p.m. local time in the 300 block of F Street NW, as reported by the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department. Responding officers arrived to find the victims unconscious and not breathing due to their gunshot wounds.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was present at the scene and described the event as a "horrible shooting." Kash Patel, the FBI Director, stated that he and his team had been briefed on the situation and are collaborating with the Metropolitan Police on the investigation. In a reassuring message, the FBI Washington Field Office confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The tragic loss of two Israeli Embassy employees is a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and challenges faced in today’s world.
