UN chief condemns killing of Israeli diplomats in US
'Nothing can justify such a horrific act,' says Antonio Guterres
HAMILTON, Canada
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday condemned the killing of two Israeli diplomatic officials in Washington DC.
"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the appalling killing on Wednesday night of two Israeli Embassy officials in Washington, D.C. Nothing can justify such a horrific act," Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Guterres emphasized his long-standing stance against violence targeting diplomats, and reiterated "his consistent condemnation of attacks against diplomatic officials."
The statement urged "the perpetrator to be brought to justice" as Guterres conveyed "his sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims and to the Government of Israel."
A gunman opened fire near the Capital Jewish Museum in the US capital late Wednesday, killing two embassy staffers.
The suspected gunman shouted: "Free Palestine," as he was taken into custody, according to a video that went viral on social media.
