As reported by local authorities and a consulate spokesperson, at least two persons were killed in a shooting incident on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, close to the American embassy. One of those killed was a security guard for a consulate.
“A person in a car stopped near the American consulate building in Jeddah Governorate and got out of it carrying a firearm in his hand,” Saudi state news agency SPA said quoting a statement by the spokesperson for the Mecca city police. According to the report, the victim was killed during a gunfight with security personnel.
It also stated that “a Nepalese employee who was employed as a security guard at the consulate was injured and later died.”
A spokesperson for the consulate confirmed the incident. “There were two fatalities, including a member of the Consulate’s local guard force as well as the assailant, who was killed by Saudi security forces,” they said.
The spokesperson said the consulate was locked down during the incident, no Americans were harmed in the attack, and all official American and locally employed staff have been accounted for.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased local guards member,” the spokesperson said.
Saudi authorities are investigating the the incident.