Washington D.C., May 22, 2025. Two members of the Israeli Embassy staff were shot and killed outside a Jewish event in Washington D.C. late Wednesday night. Authorities have arrested a suspect who was reportedly shouting pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest.
According to a report by Reuters, the incident occurred near the Capital Jewish Museum at the intersection of Third and F Streets Northwest an area close to the FBI Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Washington D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith confirmed that prior to the event, a man was seen walking outside the museum. He approached a group of four people and opened fire, fatally shooting a man and a woman, both identified as members of the Israeli diplomatic mission. The suspect then entered the museum, where he was subdued and taken into custody by event security.
Following his arrest, the suspect led police to the weapon used in the attack, a handgun which was recovered. Police said the man chanted “Free Palestine” while being handcuffed. A video circulating online shows the suspect, dressed in a black coat and white shirt, being detained while chanting, “Free, free Palestine.”
Tal Naeem Cohen, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, confirmed that the two victims were staff members attending a Jewish community event at the museum. The embassy has not yet commented on the motive or provided further details about the victims or the attacker.
Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem addressed the incident in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “We are actively investigating this heinous attack and working to gather and share more details. We will ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed he and his team have been briefed on the shooting. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro also visited the crime scene.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, condemned the attack, calling it a “heinous act of antisemitic terrorism.” In a statement on X, Danon said, “Targeting diplomats and the Jewish community is a red line. We trust U.S. authorities will take firm action against those responsible.”
The suspect has not yet been officially identified. However, CBS News sources described him as a man with a thick mustache, wearing blue jeans and a navy jacket.
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), confirmed the event outside which the attack occurred was organized by the AJC. In a statement, he expressed grief and solidarity with the victims, saying, “We are heartbroken by this unspeakable act of violence. As we await more information from the police, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims and their families.”
Israeli embassy officials stated that Ambassador Michael Herzog was not present at the event at the time of the shooting.
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