Canada condemns killing of Israeli Embassy staffers in US

HAMILTON, Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday condemned the killing of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington DC.

"I am devastated and appalled by the murder of two young Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C." Carney wrote on X. "This hate is intolerable, and I condemn it in the strongest terms."

A gunman opened fire near the Capital Jewish Museum in the US capital late Wednesday, killing the staffers.

The suspected gunman shouted: "Free Palestine," as he was taken into custody, according to a video that went viral on social media.

Carney expressed solidarity with the families of the victims. "My prayers are with Yaron and Sarah, their grieving loved ones, and the entire Jewish community."

He pledged to increase funding for the Canada Community Security Program and introduce legislation criminalizing obstruction or intimidation at places of worship, schools and community centers.

"To that end, Canada’s new government will fight the horrifying rise in hate and protect our communities," he added.