At least two Israeli embassy staff were shot dead in the heart of the US capital on Wednesday evening, with a ‘person of interest’ having been arrested by law enforcement
A man and a woman, both Israeli diplomatic staff, have been tragically gunned down in a shocking double murder that took place in the heart of the US capital.
The deadly shooting occurred on Wednesday evening at the crossroads of 3rd and F Streets NW – an area known for its high-level federal presence. The crime scene is located directly behind the FBI’s field office and the U.S. attorney’s office, and in front of the Capital Jewish Museum.
US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed that two Israeli Embassy staff were killed. She said via her X account “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.”
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Christian Flores, a reporter, has shared via his social media account that at least one victim was employed by the Israeli Embassy and “a person of interest” has been detained by police in relation to the shootings.
He reported: “Law enforcement sources tell ABC News at least two people were shot outside of an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, at least one of whom is believed to be a member of the Israeli embassy staff. A person of interest is being questioned by police.”
According to Beatrice Peterson from ABC, the victims were employees of a foreign embassy. In a post from her social media account, she stated:.
“Multiple sources have confirmed to me that the individuals shot are connected to a foreign embassy’s diplomatic staff.”, reports the Express.
Multiple sources have confirmed to me that the individuals shot are connected to a foreign embassy’s diplomatic staff.
The savage incident has triggered a significant investigation by D. C.
police, with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force also summoned to the scene, according to sources familiar with the situation who spoke to News4.
Authorities have yet to reveal whether the shooting was targeted or random, nor have they disclosed details about the identities of the victims or a potential suspect.
Law enforcement sources tell ABC News that at least two people were shot outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, at least one of whom is believed to be a member of the Israeli embassy staff. A person of interest is currently being questioned by police.
What is clear, however, is the seriousness of the situation. The shooting took place just blocks from the D.
C. police headquarters and within one of the most secure and surveilled areas of the city.
Emergency services quickly arrived on the scene, and a strong police presence remains in the area.
In a statement, D. C. police urged members of the public to avoid the vicinity as the investigation continues.
More updates are expected as officials piece together the events that led to this deadly act of violence in the very shadow of America’s law enforcement epicentre.