Two Israeli embassy employees were killed outside an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday evening.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon described the shooting as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” in a post on X.
The shooting, which took place in the area of 3rd and F Street NW, killed a man and a woman, who have not yet been publicly identified. Others, including Israeli embassy employees, were injured.
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“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on X.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force is reportedly responding. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she visited the scene of the shooting. “Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more,” Bondi posted on X.
It’s unclear how many assailants were involved. Police are reportedly on the lookout for a white man with a goatee, wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans, last seen heading east on F Street NW. One suspect is in custody, according to Georgetown University HOYAlert. The D.C. Police Department have asked people to avoid the area. The FBI’s D.C. office said on X that it responded to the shooting alongside local police and has determined that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said in a statement. “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.”
“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,” Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the U.N., added in his post on X. “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives—everywhere in the world.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.