Two staff members from the Israeli embassy were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday night, according to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
She shared the news on social media, saying, “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.”
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
U.S. President Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the attack an act of antisemitism. He said, “These horrible DC killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end now! Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims.”
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!” —President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Z30bjAQOpZ
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 22, 2025
A spokesperson from the Israeli embassy told reporters that the Israeli ambassador was not at the scene when the shooting happened and was not involved in the incident.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro visited the site of the shooting shortly after the incident.
I am on the scene of the horrible shooting outside the Washington, DC Capital Jewish Museum with @USAttyPirro. Praying for the victims of this violence as we work to learn more.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) May 22, 2025
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, strongly condemned the attack. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he called it a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism” and said, “Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We trust that U.S. authorities will take firm action against those responsible. Israel will continue to protect its citizens and representatives around the world.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also shared a statement on X. He said he and his team have been briefed on the shooting, which took place near the FBI’s Washington Field Office. He asked people to pray for the victims and promised updates as more details become available.
Investigations are ongoing.
