Jewish Museum Shooting: 2 Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed In Firing In Washington DC, Suspect Shouted 'Free Palestine'

Washington DC: An unidentified assailant opened fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC, the United States, on Wednesday night (local time). At least two staff members of Israeli Embassy were killed in the firing incident, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said.

One suspect was held by the police. According to reports, the accused shouted "Free Palestine" when taken into custody. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, called the shooting a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.

"We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act,"Danon said in a post on X. The shooting took place when an event organised by the American Jewish community outside the museum.

Several videos and images from the crime spot surfaced online.

Spokesperson at the Israeli embassy in Washington, Tal Naim Cohen said that she has full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal level.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Chief Kash Patel took stock of the situation. In an X post, Patel said, "My team and I have been briefed on the shooting tonight in downtown DC outside the Capital Jewish Museum and near our Washington Field Office. While we’re working with MPD to respond and learn more, in the immediate, please pray for the victims and their families. We will keep the public updated as we are able."

After the incident, the entire area has been cordoned off. According to reports, a man and a woman were killed in the firing.