Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed on Wednesday evening near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C., according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Washington D.C. police began investigating after reports indicated two victims had been shot across the street from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, near the museum, according to CNN. Around 10 p.m., Noem said the two killed were staff members for the Israeli Embassy, saying on X that the department is working to gather 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,” Noem wrote.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X that she and Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro were at the scene, adding they are working to learn more information.
“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,” Bondi wrote.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said during a press conference that a 30-year-old suspect had been pacing outside of the museum prior to the incident. The suspect then approached a group of four people before opening fire.