WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Authorities have apprehended a suspect following a fatal shooting near the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of two Israeli embassy staff members.
Police are calling this a targeted and tragic attack that’s shaken Washington and sparked global reaction.
Two Israeli embassy employees, a couple identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, by embassy officials.
“The young couple was about to be engaged,” said Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter.
Police say they have a suspect in custody.
“He approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire, striking both of our decedents,” said DC Police Chief Pamela Smith.
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser and the FBI both say the threat to the community is over and that the suspect is believed to have acted alone.
“We will not tolerate this violence or hate in our city,” said Bowser.
Authorities are investigating possible hate crime or terrorism motivations.
“This defendant, the charged, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers paused the budget debate to honor the victims.
“I respectfully request my colleagues to observe a moment of silence for these two individuals who were murdered for political reasons,” stated Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.).
Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. says he spoke with President Trump last night.
