After two people were shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum, questions regarding security, especially with diplomats and officials in attendance, have been raised.
After two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum, questions were being raised Thursday about whether there was sufficient security at the event Wednesday nght.
It is unclear whether the museum provided the type of security that experts ABC News spoke with said is routine, especially with diplomats and officials in attendance.
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith confirmed during a news conference Thursday afternoon there were private security officers working the event but said neither on- or off-duty MPD officers were there.
“We are working to reopen the museum in the coming days, with all necessary security in place, so we can return to telling the story of Jewish Washington for thousands of visitors from around the world”, Capital Jewish Museum Executive Director Beatrice Gurwitz said.
Former acting Homeland Security Undersecretary for Intelligence and Analysis John Cohen, an ABC News contributor, said that even though the shooting of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim occurred close to the Washington FBI Field Office, “that shouldn’t be confused as an increased security.”
“What this situation does illustrate is that we are in a period of heightened threat — part of that threat is directed at the Jewish community — and that facilities associated with the Jewish community, faith-based communities need to have put in place security measures to protect those people who are visiting those locations, whether it’s for services or for educational activities or special events, such as the one that occurred last night”, he said.
Speaking to reporters outside the Capital Jewish Museum Thursday morning, Attorney General Pam Bondi acknowledged she did not know of the event’s security posture before the shooting occurred.
But when asked by ABC News if there had been a “a security failure” given the proximity of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, Bondi denied any lapse in security.
“I don’t think anyone would have expected what happened last night”, Bondi said. “They were in an event, a beautiful event. People were — it was a dressy event. They were dressed up, they were all together and just celebrating.
“But no, I think law enforcement were on the scene immediately because of that, and the great men and women of the FBI are doing an incredible job, as well as Metropolitan police”, she added. “Our [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] agents were out here. Our U.S. Marshals were out here working hand in hand with the mayor and the police chief, who I cannot say enough good about right now.
