Two staff members from the Israeli Embassy were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC on Wednesday night in what officials say appears to be a targeted attack.
The victims—a man and a woman—were shot at close range while leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at around 9:05 p.m. near 3rd and F Streets NW, a high-security area close to federal buildings including the FBI’s Washington office.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released. The Israeli ambassador to the U.S. was not present during the incident.
The shooting prompted a large police response and lockdowns, including at nearby Georgetown University’s Capitol campus. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, described as a man with a goatee wearing blue jeans and a blue jacket.
Officials in both the U.S. and Israel have condemned the attack. U.S. Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem called it “senseless” and vowed justice. Israeli officials labeled it an anti-Semitic terror act, while stressing faith in U.S. law enforcement to swiftly handle the case.
Security concerns at Jewish institutions have intensified nationwide due to a rise in antisemitism. The Capital Jewish Museum had recently received funding to bolster its security, especially after launching a new exhibit focusing on LGBTQ+ pride.
Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, and motives have not been officially confirmed, though early signs point to a hate-driven, targeted attack.
