Two Israeli embassy employees were shot dead on Wednesday evening in what is believed to be an anti-Semitic attack in Washington, D.C.

The incident occurred not far from the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in the heart of the US capital, according to a statement by US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on the X platform.

“We are investigating vigorously and working to provide further information. Please pray for the families of the victims,“ Noem wrote. ‘We will hold this heinous perpetrator accountable.”

According to Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, the two victims were shot ’at close range.” No further details about the crime or the background were initially available.

Local police confirmed Wednesday evening that they were investigating shots fired in the area of 3rd Street and F Street Northwest, near the Jewish Museum. According to its website, the museum is dedicated to the history and life of the Jewish community in the Washington area.

At the time of the attack, a special evening event was taking place at the museum: a reception for young diplomats organized by the American Jewish Committee. The aim of the meeting was to bring together young Jewish professionals with members of the diplomatic community in Washington to “promote unity and celebrate Jewish heritage,” according to the invitation.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also commented on the incident. In a post on X, he wrote: “The deadly shooting outside the event at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is a despicable act of anti-Semitic terror.”

It remained unclear whether the attack was directly related to the event or the guests in attendance. The investigation is ongoing. The attack sparked international outrage, especially given the sensitive diplomatic ties and tense situation in the Middle East.

Image: Screenshot NBC