WASHINGTON, D.C. – At least two people were shot Wednesday night outside of an event at the Capital Jewish Museum, according to law enforcement sources who spoke with ABC News. The incident unfolded in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., drawing a massive police response and sending shockwaves through the community as authorities work to determine the motive and identify those responsible.
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after reports of gunfire were received around 8:30 p.m. The area surrounding the museum, located near the bustling intersection of 3rd Street and F Street NW, was quickly cordoned off as police and paramedics rushed to assist the injured and secure the vicinity.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with attendees of the museum event scrambling for cover as shots rang out in the street just outside the building. Several said they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks or construction noise until security personnel began ushering them to safety.
“I heard four or five loud pops, and then people started screaming,” said Aaron Feldman, who had just exited the museum moments before the shooting began. “We ran back inside and were told to stay down until it was clear.”
Law enforcement officials have not released the identities of the victims or confirmed whether the shooting was targeted or random. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as serious but not life-threatening, according to a source familiar with the investigation.
The Capital Jewish Museum, also known as the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, was hosting a private evening event at the time of the shooting. The museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the Jewish experience in the nation’s capital, and it often holds community-focused events, educational programs, and exhibits celebrating Jewish history and heritage.
D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith addressed the public briefly just before midnight, stating that detectives are actively working the case. “This is a very serious incident, and we are dedicating all available resources to investigating this shooting. We are currently reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses. We urge anyone who may have seen something to come forward.”
Federal agencies, including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, have been notified and are monitoring the situation due to the nature of the location and the possibility of a hate-motivated attack, though officials stressed that it is too early to draw conclusions.
Security in and around religious and cultural institutions in the D.C. area has been heightened in recent months amid increased concerns about antisemitic threats and violence. Authorities have not stated whether the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime, but said all possibilities are being considered.
The museum remained closed to the public as of Thursday morning, with a large police presence still on-site. Streets in the immediate area remain closed, and commuters are being advised to find alternate routes.
This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.