US authorities investigate fatal shooting near American Jewish Committee event in Washington DC

Two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, on Wednesday evening, in what Israeli officials have condemned as a “depraved act of antisemitic terrorism.”

The attack occurred during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at the museum. Authorities confirmed that two individuals connected to the Israeli Embassy were gunned down just outside the venue, but their names have not yet been released.

“Two Israeli Embassy staff were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC,” US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem posted on X. “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share.”

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

The incident took place near 3rd Street and F Street Northwest, directly across from the FBI’s Washington Field Office. DC Police cordoned off the area shortly after the shooting, urging the public to avoid the scene. A person of interest has reportedly been detained for questioning, but no arrests had been announced as of late Wednesday evening.

The Israeli Embassy confirmed it is cooperating closely with US law enforcement and clarified that the ambassador was not present at the time of the attack.

Ted Deutch, CEO of the AJC, expressed devastation over the incident. “An unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” he said in a statement. “At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon condemned the shooting, describing it as a deliberate attack on Jews and Israeli representatives. “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, is a depraved act of antisemitic terrorism,” he posted on social media.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interim US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting. Bondi stated that federal officials were “working to learn more” and would ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The Capital Jewish Museum, which opened its new building in 2023, is located in the heart of DC and regularly hosts events highlighting Jewish heritage and community engagement. Wednesday’s gathering was part of an AJC program bringing together diplomats, community leaders, and Jewish organizations.