Relatives of Americans murdered during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel gathered at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., calling for accountability and a full congressional investigation into the killings.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper attended the ceremony, according to a statement released by the families.

Abbey Onn, whose cousin Carmela Dan was murdered alongside her granddaughter Noya, emphasized that the massacre claimed American lives as well as Israeli victims. Nearly 50 American citizens were killed, while dozens more were wounded.

Onn said the families came to ensure their loved ones would not be forgotten and that those responsible would ultimately face justice.

Ruby Chen, whose son, IDF Staff Sgt. Itay Chen, was killed while defending Israel’s Gaza border and whose body was taken into Gaza, spoke about his son’s decision to serve. Rather than pursue a college education, Chen said, his son chose military service because he believed certain things were worth protecting.

The ceremony’s recognition of the American victims was meaningful to the families, Chen said, but he stressed that remembrance must lead to concrete action.

Chen called on Congress to establish an independent investigative committee and urged the U.S. government to pursue those who financed the October 7 attack. He said individuals responsible for funding the assault must be brought to the United States to face trial for crimes against American citizens.

For the families, the gathering was both an opportunity to honor those they lost and a renewed demand for answers, accountability and continued support from the U.S. government.

Marco Rubio today at the State Department ceremony honoring Americans who were murdered and taken hostage on October 7.

“These terrorists hunted families in their kitchens and bedrooms. They went to a music festival. And they butchered them.” https://t.co/P031K94Ic4

— Vivid.🇮🇱 (@VividProwess) October 15, 2026