US President Donald Trump described the shooting of two employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington as a terrible murder, which is clearly based on anti-Semitism. On his social network “Truth Social“ Trump said that “these terrible murders, clearly based on anti-Semitism, must be stopped now“.
The president expressed condolences to the families of the victims and added that it is very sad that such things can happen.
Earlier this night, world agencies reported that two Israeli employees of the Israeli embassy in Washington were shot in front of the Jewish Museum in the US capital, where an event was taking place at that moment. The victims are a man and a woman.
Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith said a suspect in the attack was in custody. He had been seen in the area around the museum earlier. The suspect chanted "Free Palestine. Free Palestine" as he was taken into custody, Smith said.
Tal Naim Cohen, a spokesman for the Israeli embassy in Washington, said two members of the diplomatic mission were shot while attending a Jewish event at the Jewish Museum in Washington.
The Israeli embassy did not respond to additional questions about the shooter, the victims or the motive for the attack.
US Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noam said the case was under investigation. She added that "the depraved perpetrator of this act will be brought to justice." Noam urged people to pray for the victims and their loved ones.
Danny Danon, Israel's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that "harming diplomats and the Jewish community is crossing a red line." "We are confident that the US authorities will take strong measures against those responsible for this criminal act," he added.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Attorney General of the District of Columbia, where Washington is located, Janine Pyro, went to the scene of the crime.
According to local officials, the suspect in the attack was seen walking around the Jewish Museum before opening fire.