DHS Chief Confirms Killing of Two Israeli Embassy Staff Outside DC Jewish Museum

According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, two employees of the Israeli embassy were murdered near a Jewish museum located in the heart of Washington D.C.

A man and a woman were shot as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, according to sources who spoke with our news partner CBS. The authorities indicate that this seems to be a targeted attack.

The incident occurred at 21:05 local time near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets NW, a location close to several tourist attractions, museums, and governmental structures, such as the FBI’s Washington field office.

Reports suggest that several staff members from the Israeli embassy were present at a museum function during the shooting incident.

Noem tweeted, 'We are actively investigating and striving to obtain additional details to share,' she said. 'Please keep the victims' families in your prayers. We are committed to bringing this despicable criminal to justice.'

Israel's envoy to the UN described the event as a "grotesque act of anti-Semitic terrorism."

Attacking diplomats and the Jewish community is beyond an acceptable limit," Ambassador Danny Danon stated on X. "We trust that the U.S. authorities will firmly address those accountable for this illegal activity.

The incident triggered a major police response and shut down several core streets in the city. The victims were identified as a man and woman, local media reported, but their names have not been released.

Efforts are currently being made to locate the assailant. According to sources cited by CBS, our news partner in the U.S., the individual suspected of the attack has a goatee and was last seen dressed in blue jeans and a blue jacket.

The Capitol campus of Georgetown University alwasy was locked down, according to CBS.

"When we went to leave the cops and security were downstairs and told us we can't leave," said one student, who was on lockdown in their building for over an hour.

And yet they are still here insisting that we cannot depart.

Like numerous other Jewish organizations across the U.S., the Capital Jewish Museum has faced challenges related to security due to an increase in antisemitism.

"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 told NBC News in a separate news report before the attack on Wednesday.

The museum recently received a grant to upgrade its security in part, she said, because of a new exhibit on LGBT pride.

Gurwitz stated, “We acknowledge the potential risks involved.” He continued, “Nevertheless, our aim is to maintain an environment that is both inviting and safe for everyone visiting us as we delve into these narratives.”