Shooting Near Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC Leaves Two Israeli Embassy Staff Dead; Authorities Investigate as Act of Anti-Semitic Terrorism

 Washington DC, May 22: In what is being described as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism, two staff members associated with the Israeli Embassy were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC on Wednesday night, according to local media reports.

The incident occurred across the street from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, prompting an immediate response from federal and local law enforcement. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has launched a full-scale investigation, and the Israeli Embassy has confirmed its ongoing coordination with local authorities. An embassy official confirmed to CNN that the Israeli ambassador was not present at the scene during the attack.

Police and Federal Officials Respond

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads and will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC. We are actively investigating and working to gather more details,” Noem posted on X (formerly Twitter).

International and Domestic Condemnation

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, strongly condemned the incident, characterizing it as a targeted act of terror.
“The fatal shooting near the Jewish Museum — in which Israeli embassy personnel were also injured — is a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism. Harming diplomats and members of the Jewish community crosses a red line,” Danon said in an official statement.

FBI Director Kash Patel also issued a statement on X, confirming he had been briefed on the situation.
“My team and I have been briefed on the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. We are coordinating with MPD and working to determine more. Please keep the victims and their families in your prayers,” he wrote.

Victims and Investigation

At least one of the victims was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition, according to ABC News. The American Jewish Committee confirmed that an event was taking place at the museum that evening.
“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence occurred just outside the venue,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch.

In a show of high-level concern, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro visited the scene shortly after the incident, Bondi confirmed via social media.

Authorities have yet to disclose the identity of the suspect or confirm if any arrests have been made. The investigation remains ongoing.