Why Were Two Israeli Embassy Employees Shot Dead in Washington?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two Israeli Embassy staff members were killed in Washington near the Jewish Museum.
- US Homeland Security is investigating the incident.
- The shooting has been condemned as an act of anti-Semitic terrorism.
- Authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.
- The Jewish community is mourning the loss of innocent lives.
Washington, May 22 (NationPress) Tragedy struck as two employees from the Israeli Embassy lost their lives near the Jewish Museum in Washington, according to statements from US Homeland Security. A male and female staff member were targeted by an unidentified shooter while leaving the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday evening (local time).
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressed her condolences on X, stating, "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."
Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, denounced the shooting as a "depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism" on social media, asserting, "Harming the Jewish community is crossing a red line. We are confident that the US authorities will take strong action against those responsible for this criminal act. Israel will continue to act resolutely to protect its citizens and representatives - everywhere in the world."
Tal Naim Cohen, the spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington, condemned the killings, stating, "We have full faith in law enforcement authorities on both the local and federal levels to apprehend the shooter and protect Israel's representatives and Jewish communities throughout the United States."
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that he and his team are collaborating with the Metropolitan Police Department regarding the incident. He 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."
In a statement to Fox 5, the American Jewish Committee (AJC) expressed their devastation over the violence that occurred outside their event at the Capital Jewish Museum. "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," they stated.