Two Israeli embassy employees were killed on May 21 near the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., according to Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen.

“Two Israeli embassy employees were senselessly killed tonight near the Jewish Museum in Washington,” Noem wrote in a post on X. “We are actively investigating and working to get more information to share.”

Washington police said they were investigating the shooting at the FBI field office in Washington, which is located near the museum. The Israeli embassy is working with law enforcement agencies.

The Israeli ambassador was not involved in the incident and was not at the scene when the shooting occurred, an embassy spokesperson told CNN.

US Attorney General Pam Bonda said on social media that she and Acting US Attorney for Washington Jeanine Pirro had arrived at the scene of the shooting in front of the Jewish Museum in the capital.

Ted Deutsch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, said his organization would hold an event at the museum on May 21.

“We are devastated by the unspeakable act of violence that took place outside the building,” Deutsch said. “At this time, as we await more information from law enforcement about what exactly happened, our thoughts and hearts are solely with the victims and their families.”

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon responded to media reports of the shooting, saying: “The fatal shooting that took place outside the event held at the Jewish Museum in Washington, in which Israeli embassy staff were also injured, is a despicable act of anti-Semitic terrorism.”

Police are advising people to avoid the area in northwest Washington. | BGNES