Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in the United States were shot and killed Tuesday evening near the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) field office in Washington, D.C., in an attack widely condemned as an anti-Semitic hate crime. The suspect, identified as a Chicago resident, was arrested after opening fire at close range and attempting to flee into a nearby museum, authorities confirmed.
The victims, a man and a woman employed by the Israeli Embassy, were attacked near a museum close to the FBI's Washington headquarters. The gunman reportedly used a handgun before being subdued by security personnel inside the museum. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas confirmed the incident late Tuesday, with the FBI and local police jointly leading the investigation. While the motive remains under scrutiny, officials emphasized the attack's apparent anti-Jewish nature.
Leaders in the U.S. and Israel swiftly denounced the violence. Former President Donald Trump called the killings "horrible anti-Semitic acts" on social media, urging an end to such violence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the "cowardly anti-Jewish attack" and vowed justice. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed "profound shock," labeling the shooting a "despicable act of hatred" and pledging solidarity with Jewish communities in the U.S.
The attack unfolded amid rising global concerns over anti-Semitism, particularly following heightened tensions in the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Herzog stressed that "terror and hatred will not break us," while U.S. officials reiterated commitments to safeguarding diplomatic personnel. The proximity of the shooting to the FBI's Washington office has sparked questions about security measures for foreign missions in the capital.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the suspect's potential affiliations or a detailed timeline of the attack. The Israeli Embassy has not released an official statement but is coordinating closely with U.S. law enforcement. The incident marks one of the most severe attacks targeting Israeli diplomatic staff on U.S. soil in recent years, underscoring escalating risks faced by Jewish institutions worldwide.
As investigations continue, the tragedy has reignited calls for stronger measures to combat hate crimes and protect vulnerable communities. President Herzog emphasized the need for unity, stating, "Our hearts are with the victims' families, and we stand firm with all those confronting the scourge of anti-Semitism."
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