Shooting outside Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. claims the lives of two Israeli embassy staffers

An Israeli diplomat and another individual were tragically killed in a shooting that occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC. This incident is being characterized as a heinous act of anti-Semitic terrorism.

The victims of the attack, a man and a woman, had connections to the Israeli embassy, as confirmed by Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon.

Ambassador Danon condemned the shooting as a criminal act of anti-Semitic terrorism, emphasizing that Israeli embassy employees were also among those injured during the shooting outside the Jewish Museum in Washington.

‘Attacking diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line.’

The male victim was an Israeli diplomat, sources have since told NBC. It is understood the shooter shouted ‘Free Palestine’ during the attack.

‘We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. 

‘Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives – everywhere in the world.’

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed she had arrived on the scene alongside DC attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

At least two people are dead after a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC in what is being described as a ‘depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism

The victims, a man and a woman, have ties to the Israeli embassy and were in the area taking part in an event at the museum

The FBI ‘s Joint Terrorism Task Force swiftly responded to the scene and is reportedly investigating

‘I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum,’ she wrote on X. ‘Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.’

Initial reports suggested one of the victims died at the scene while another was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Later updates confirmed both victims had tragically died.

The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force swiftly responded to the scene and is reportedly investigating. 

The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum on Wednesday night, CEO Ted Deutch confirmed.

‘We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,’ he said. 

The American Jewish Committee was hosting a Young Diplomats event at the museum (pictured) on Wednesday night

‘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.’ 

Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the deaths as ‘senseless’ in a statement Wednesday night.

‘Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington DC,’ she wrote. 

‘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.’ 

Senator Chuck Schumer also weighed in, writing: ‘I’m closely monitoring the shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum tonight in DC.

‘This sickening shooting seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism which as we know is all too rampant in our society. I’m praying for those who were killed, all those affected, and their families.’

Israel ‘s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon confirmed the incident on Wednesday night, branding it ‘anti-Semitic terrorism’

Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.

Initial reports suggested one of the victims died at the scene while another was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Later updates confirmed both victims had tragically died

Less than 24 hours ago, the Capital Jewish Museum was awarded a security grant amid ongoing concerns about the safety of guests and staff. 

‘Jewish institutions all around town, all around the country, are concerned about security due to some very scary incidents that some institutions have faced and because of a climate of antisemitism,’ Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said. 

‘So, we invest a lot of money in security to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the broad public, that this is a welcoming space, but that people are also safe in this space.’

The museum recently launched a new exhibit which they feared would amplify the risks of an attack – LGBT Jews in the Federal City – to coincide with World Pride.

‘We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,’ Gurwitz said. ‘And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.’ 

This is a breaking news story. More to come.