2 Israeli embassy staff members shot dead near Jewish museum in Washington

WASHINGTON, May 22: Two staff members of the Israeli embassy in Washington were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near a Jewish Museum, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

Ms. Noem announced the deaths in a post on ‘X’ after the shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum, which is located steps away from the FBI’s field office in the nation’s capital.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was at the scene with former judge Jeanine Pirro, who serves as the U.S. attorney in Washington.

*Spokesperson at the Israeli embassy in Washington Tal Naim Cohen*:

Two staff members of the Israeli embassy were shot this evening at close range while attending a Jewish event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC.

We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on…

— Tal Naim (@TalNaim_) May 22, 2025

Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

Police offered no details late on Wednesday night on a potential motive for the shooting. A news conference was expected later on Wednesday.

“We are confident that the U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,” Mr. Danon said in a post on X. “Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives — everywhere in the world.” (Agencies)