International figures and Republican lawmakers voiced shock and relief after an armed suspect was stopped outside an event attended by President Donald Trump.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
World leaders and Republican officials issued statements of concern and support following a shooting incident Saturday night at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, where Donald Trump was in attendance before being evacuated by security.
Authorities said a lone suspect armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives was taken into custody after approaching a security checkpoint near the Washington Hilton. Law enforcement officials confirmed the individual will face federal charges. Officials reported no civilian fatalities, and one law enforcement officer who was struck was protected by a ballistic vest.
International reactions emphasized condemnation of political violence and relief that attendees, including Melania Trump and JD Vance, were not injured.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked by the scenes” at the event and wrote that “any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
French President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as “unacceptable,” stating, “Violence has no place in a democracy,” and expressed support for Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife were “shocked by the attempted assassination,” adding they were relieved the president and first lady were safe. He also extended wishes for recovery to the injured officer and praised the response of the Secret Service.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni conveyed “full solidarity and sincere sympathy,” stating that “political hatred has no place in our democracies.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “relieved to learn” that Trump and other officials were unharmed and reiterated that violence must be condemned in democratic societies.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed relief that all attendees were safe and said political violence has no place in democracy.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote that it was positive that Trump and his wife were safe, adding that “violence must never be the way.”
Hungarian leader Viktor Orbán stated there is “no place for violence in politics,” while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said democratic struggles must be conducted through ideas rather than violence.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the incident, stating that “violence has no place in politics” and commending first responders for securing the area.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed similar remarks, writing that decisions in democracy are made “by majorities, not by the gun,” and noted relief that attendees were unharmed.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked” and extended well wishes for the safety of those present.
In the United States, Republican lawmakers attending or monitoring the event also responded, highlighting the rapid actions of law enforcement.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his wife were present when the incident occurred and wrote in a statement that they were “thankful no innocent people were harmed” and expressed gratitude to first responders.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said in a post that he was grateful for the officers who “acted immediately to secure the scene.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer credited law enforcement for their swift response and said he was relieved that attendees were safe.
Senator Tom Cotton said the situation underscored the importance of those who provide security, noting appreciation for officers who stopped what he described as a dangerous situation.
Senator Marsha Blackburn wrote in a post that she was praying for those present and expressed appreciation for the rapid law enforcement response.
The shooting occurred near the event’s security perimeter, prompting an immediate evacuation of attendees. Officials confirmed the suspect was apprehended at the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Original article
Comments