Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) responded to the murders of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. shot at close range outside an event dedicated to bridge-building in the Middle East and North Africa held at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC.  Video from the museum shows the suspect shouting “free, free Palestine” as he was taken into custody by DC police.

“These horrific murders must be understood in the context of the hurricane of antisemitic hate-incitement that continues to grow in our country – and in fact throughout the world,” said Smith who two days ago chaired his 17^th hearing on the world-wide threat of anti-Semitism.   

“We must respond to the ever-increasing threat to Jewish communities by calling out antisemitism in all of its forms, above all anyone so perverted as to murder utterly innocent people, and anyone who incites or encourages such sick violence.

“My heart and prayers go out to the families and friends of these two young people – nothing can be more devastating for them than to see this young couple, a week before their planned engagement, cruelly and senselessly murdered.”

Smith’s May 20 hearing, “Worldwide Persecution of Jews” can be viewed here. Rep. Smith is the author of the law that created the Office to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism in the US State Department, as well as the law that established ambassadorial-level leadership of the fight against antisemitism abroad. He is also Co-Chairman of both the Congressional Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and the Israel Allies Caucus.

PHOTO: Chairman Smith opens his hearing on global antisemitism May 20, 2025.