Netanyahu orders enhanced security at Israeli missions worldwide after staffers killed in US

Netanyahu orders enhanced security at Israeli missions worldwide after staffers killed in US

FP News Desk May 22, 2025, 12:17:09 IST

A gunman opened fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the centre of Washington late on Wednesday, killing two people who were coming out of the venue after attending an event for young professionals and diplomatic staff

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Netanyahu orders enhanced security at Israeli missions worldwide after staffers killed in US
A man draped in the Israeli flag, bearing a cross and the name "Jesus" at its center, gestures as Metropolitan Police officers secure the area outside the Capital Jewish Museum following a shooting that left two people dead in Washington, DC. AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday ordered enhanced security measures at Israeli diplomatic missions across the world after a gunman shot dead two embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington.

“I have instructed to enhance security arrangements at Israeli missions around the world and to increase protection for state representatives,” he said.

A gunman opened fire outside the Capital Jewish Museum in the centre of Washington late on Wednesday, killing two people who were coming out of the venue after attending an event for young professionals and diplomatic staff.

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A video clip circulating on social media showed a young bearded man in a jacket and white shirt shouting “free, free Palestine” as he was led away by police.

‘A young, beautiful couple’

The victims killed in the attack were a young couple who planned to get married, according to the Israeli ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter.

“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem. They were a beautiful couple,” he said.

The victims, whose names have not been made public yet, were shot at close range.

Shooter in custody

Police confirmed the suspected shooter walked into the museum after the shooting and had been detained.

“We believe the shooting was committed by a single suspect who is now in custody,” Washington Police Chief Pamela Smith told reporters.

“Prior to the shooting the suspect was observed pacing back and forth outside of the museum. He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun and opened fire.

“After the shooting, the suspect then entered the museum and was detained by event security.”

She said the handcuffed suspect identified where he had discarded the weapon and chanted “Free, free Palestine.”

With inputs from agencies

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