SCOOP: State Department to host Oct. 7 memorial for slain Americans

The U.S. State Department plans to host a memorial ceremony on September 30 for American victims of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Organized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio's office, the event will take place three days before the third anniversary on the Jewish calendar. The initiative was largely driven by Ruby Chen, whose Israeli-American son, Itay Chen, was killed in the attacks. Chen stated, "It's not a question of if it's going to happen. It's more a matter of the logistics of when and how it happens that makes the most sense." At least 46 American citizens were among the approximately 1,200 people killed. The American Jewish Committee is collaborating with the State Department on the event and arrangements for victims' families traveling to Washington, D.C. Ronen Neutra, whose son was also killed, indicated potential meetings between victims' relatives and government agencies like the FBI and U.S. Treasury to pursue justice. Chen is also advocating for a congressional investigation into the attack.