At least two people are dead after a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC in what is being described as a ‘depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism.’
The victims, a man and a woman, have ties to the Israeli embassy and were in the area taking part in an event at the museum.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon confirmed the incident on Wednesday night, branding it ‘anti-Semitic terrorism.’
‘The shooting outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington – in which Israeli embassy employees were also injured – is a criminal act of anti-Semitic terrorism,’ he said.
‘Attacking diplomats and 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.’
Initial reports suggested one of the victims died at the scene while another was rushed to hospital in a critical condition. Later updates confirmed both victims had tragically died.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force swiftly responded to the scene and is reportedly investigating.
Police are urging locals to avoid the area as they investigate the incident.
Less than 24 hours ago, the Capital Jewish Museum was awarded a security grant amid ongoing concerns about the safety of guests and staff.
‘Jewish institutions all around town, all around the country, are concerned about security due to some very scary incidents that some institutions have faced and because of a climate of antisemitism,’ Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said.
‘So, we invest a lot of money in security to make sure that we can keep our doors open to the broad public, that this is a welcoming space, but that people are also safe in this space.’
The museum recently launched a new exhibit which they feared would amplify the risks of an attack – LGBT Jews in the Federal City – to coincide with World Pride.
‘We recognize that there are threats associated with this as well,’ Gurwitz said. ‘And again, we want to ensure that our space is as welcoming and secure for everybody who comes here while we are exploring these stories.’
This is a breaking news story. More to come.