Two Israeli embassy staff members shot dead near Jewish museum in Washington DC

2 staff members of Israeli embassy killed in shooting near Jewish museum in DC (File image)

Two Israeli embassy staff members were fatally shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, as confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She announced the tragic incident in a post on X, revealing that the shooting occurred close to the FBI’s field office in the nation’s capital.

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. Please pray for the families of the victims.We will bring this depraved perpetrator to justice.
Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) May 22, 2025

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney in Washington.

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

Tal Naim, spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, expressed confidence in law enforcement after the shooting incident, posting on X, "We trust both local and federal authorities to apprehend the shooter and ensure the safety of Israel’s representatives and Jewish communities across the U.S."

*Spokesperson at the Israeli embassy in Washington Tal Naim Cohen*: Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot this evening at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC.We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on Tal Naim (@TalNaim_) May 22, 2025

FBI Director Kash Patel stated that he was briefed on the shooting incident outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown DC, near the Washington Field Office. He posted on X, "While we’re collaborating with MPD to respond and gather more information, please pray for the victims and their families. We will provide updates as we can."

My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While were working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 22, 2025

Police offered no details late Wednesday night on a potential motive for the shooting. A news conference was expected later Wednesday.

“We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,” Danon said in a post on X. “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.”

(With agency inputs)