The White House Correspondents’ Dinner was shaken by a shooting incident in Washington, DC, prompting security to swiftly remove Donald Trump from the venue.
According to officials, a gunman rushed a security checkpoint outside the ballroom on Saturday night before being subdued by US Secret Service agents after shots were fired, reports Al Jazeera.
CBS News reported that the suspect told authorities he intended to target officials linked to the Trump administration.
Here’s how leaders in the US and around the world are responding to the news:
United States
Leaders from both parties strongly denounced the violence. The event was attended by Melania Trump, JD Vance, senior officials, journalists and celebrities.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended with his wife Kelly, said both were “praying for our country tonight”.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “The violence and chaos in America must end.”
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser praised law enforcement, saying she is “so very thankful to members of law enforcement who did their jobs … and made sure all guests were safe”. She added there was no immediate indication of additional suspects.
Weijia Jiang, senior White House correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, highlighted journalism’s role during crises, “when there is an emergency, we run to the crisis, not away from it”.
“On a night when we are thinking about the freedoms in the First Amendment, we must also think about how fragile they are,” she said. “Thank God everybody is safe, and thank you for coming together tonight. We’ll do this again.”
United Kingdom
Britain’s Ambassador to the US, Christian Turner, confirmed British officials were present and praised “the swift and professional response of the US Secret Service”.
“We are thankful that the President and all those in attendance were unharmed & our best wishes are with the injured officer,” he wrote.
Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended US law enforcement “for their swift action”.
“I am pleased to hear the President and the First Lady, along with all attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, are safe,” he said.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is “relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe”.
“Political violence has no place in any democracy, and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event,” he added.
Mexico
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed relief that Trump and his wife were safe. “We send them our respect,” she wrote on X. “Violence must never be the way”.
Israel
Israeli leaders voiced strong support for the US. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and Trump”.
He condemned “in the strongest possible terms the shooting incident” and added, “Zero tolerance for political violence.”
President Isaac Herzog said he was relieved the injured officer “is safe and on the path of recovery”. “From the Holy Land, we pray for the safety and security of the United States of America and its leaders after this heinous attack,” Herzog said.
Pakistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident” and relieved that attendees were safe. He added his “thoughts and prayers” are with Trump and wished him continued safety.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also condemned the attack, saying, “We strongly condemn all forms of violence, which is enemy of diplomacy and intolerable in any civilised society. Our best wishes go out to [the president] and the American people.”
India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was relieved that Trump and other attendees were safe. “I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” he said.
Venezuela
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez condemned the incident, saying “we strongly condemn the attempted attack against President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump”.
“We extend our best wishes to them and to all attendees of the Correspondent’s Dinner,” she said. “Violence is never an option for those who uphold the values of peace.”
