WASHINGTON, May 22— Two Israeli embassy staff members were shot and killed Wednesday night near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., in what Israeli and U.S. officials described as a potential anti-Semitic attack.
The victims — a man and a woman — were found near 3rd and F Streets NW, an area that houses not only the museum but also the FBI’s field office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
“Two Israeli Embassy staffers were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a statement posted on X.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal agents had been briefed and were assisting local authorities. “While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families,” Patel posted on X.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the killings as “a depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.” He added, “Harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the U.S. authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi and U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro were both seen at the scene shortly after the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department declined to release further details, stating that a press conference would follow shortly to provide updates.
As of Thursday morning, authorities had not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted or if the attack was random. The investigation is ongoing.
