Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed near a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, May 22. The tragic event took place during an event at the museum. Reports from BBC and Reuters, citing U.S. officials, confirmed the deaths.
According to NBC News, four senior law enforcement officials said a single shooter was responsible. The attacker shot a man and a woman. Eyewitnesses said the suspect shouted “Free Palestine” while firing. The shooter has been arrested.
So far, police have not shared the identity of the person arrested.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations called the incident “a horrible act of anti-Jewish terrorism.” He said the attack was not just a crime but a direct threat to Jews everywhere.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) shared a statement expressing sorrow. The group said they were hosting an event inside the museum when the attack happened outside.
“We are deeply saddened that such a violent act took place outside a peaceful event we were holding,” said the statement.
“We are waiting to learn more from the police. For now, our thoughts are only with the victims and their families,” they added.
The U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bundy, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she was at the scene. She sent prayers for the victims. She also said justice would be served.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, also spoke out. “We will bring this twisted criminal to justice,” she said.
Eyewitnesses at the event said many Israeli embassy officials were at the museum when the shooting took place. Panic spread quickly as people heard the gunshots outside. Some attendees tried to help the victims while others rushed to find safety.
Law enforcement quickly arrived at the scene and secured the area. The shooter was caught shortly after and taken into custody.
Authorities are still looking into the motive. Early signs point to political reasons behind the attack. The suspect’s cries during the shooting suggest it may be related to the conflict in the Middle East.
Police have not said if the victims were targeted because of their roles at the embassy. But the location, timing, and words shouted by the shooter raise many questions.
Security has now been increased around other Jewish centers in the city. Police are working closely with federal agencies to find out if the suspect acted alone or was part of a larger group.
Officials from the Israeli embassy have not yet issued a full statement. However, a spokesperson said they were working with U.S. law enforcement and offering support to the families of the victims.
The shooting has shocked many in the local and international community. Jewish groups in the U.S. have raised concerns about rising hate crimes and threats.
People gathered outside the museum later in the day to light candles and lay flowers. Some held signs that read, “Stop Hate” and “Peace for All.”
This event has once again sparked talks about safety, hate crimes, and the growing tensions linked to global conflicts.
President Joe Biden has not yet made a public statement. But White House sources say he is being updated regularly.
The investigation is still in the early stages. Authorities promise to share more details once they know more.