Two Israeli embassy staff members a man and a woman were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC on Wednesday night in what officials describe as a targeted and “depraved” act. The victims, whose names have not yet been released, were gunned down around 9:05 p.m. local time near 3rd and F Streets NW as they exited an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC).
The attack occurred in a highly secure area of downtown DC, near several government buildings, including the FBI’s Washington field office. The museum event was reportedly attended by multiple embassy employees, though Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. was not present at the time.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and local law enforcement responded swiftly, locking down streets and surrounding institutions, including the nearby Capitol campus of Georgetown University. Authorities are searching for the suspect, described as a man with a goatee wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket.
Kristi Noem, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, condemned the killings as “senseless” and vowed justice for the victims’ families. Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, labeled the incident as an act of “anti-Semitic terrorism,” warning that it crossed a dangerous line. He urged swift and decisive action from U.S. authorities.
Israeli embassy spokesperson Tal Naim Cohen confirmed that the victims were shot at close range and expressed full confidence in American law enforcement to apprehend the perpetrator. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of Jewish institutions in the U.S., many of which have experienced heightened threats amid rising antisemitism.
Beatrice Gurwitz, Executive Director of the Capital Jewish Museum, had earlier highlighted the museum’s efforts to enhance security, especially after launching new exhibits including one on LGBT pride.
Ted Deutch, CEO of AJC, expressed devastation at the attack, stating, “Our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”
As the manhunt continues, the tragic shooting underscores the urgent need to address antisemitic violence and reinforce protection for Jewish and diplomatic communities across the United States.
