Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, May 22: In a shocking incident that has drawn widespread condemnation, two Israeli embassy staff members were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC late Wednesday night. The attack, reportedly carried out by a gunman shouting “Free Palestine,” has been denounced by global leaders as an act of antisemitic terrorism.

The victims, a young couple, were leaving an official event near the museum when the assailant opened fire on a group of four, resulting in the deaths of the man and woman. Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, revealed that the two had been preparing to get engaged next week in Jerusalem. “He had just bought a ring,” the ambassador said in a heart-wrenching statement.

Reacting to the brutal killings, former US President Donald Trump expressed deep sorrow and called for an immediate end to such violence.

“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “God bless you all.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that justice would be served, stating, “This was a brazen act of cowardly, antisemitic violence. We will track down those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, visibly shaken, condemned the killings as a “despicable act of hatred.”

“Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered... Terror and hate will not break us,” Herzog said in a statement of solidarity with Jewish communities in the US.

At the crime scene were US Attorney General Pam Bondi and former judge Jeanine Pirro, now serving as US Attorney for Washington, whose office will oversee prosecution. Authorities have promised swift and decisive action in tracking down the gunman, who fled the scene.

Tal Naim Cohen, spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy, emphasized Israel's confidence in American law enforcement.

“We have full faith in local and federal authorities to apprehend the shooter and ensure the safety of Israeli representatives and Jewish communities.”

Danny Danon, Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, called the attack a “depraved act of anti-Semitic terrorism,”urging strong US action and stating that the attack “crossed a red line.”

The shooting comes amidst heightened global tensions following Israel's renewed offensive against Hamas in Gaza. The ongoing conflict, ignited by the October 7, 2023 terror attacks that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to over 250 hostages being taken by Hamas, has deeply polarized communities across the globe.

With security protocols now tightened at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide, this attack underscores growing concerns about the spillover of Middle East tensions into Western cities.

As investigations continue, solidarity messages from across the globe have poured in, with one common theme echoing across statements — hate will not divide us, and terror will not win.