Berlin, April 26 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Sunday condemned what he called an “assassination attempt” after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington. In a post on X, Merz said he was relieved that those at the event, including US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, were safe. He wrote: ‘Violence has no place in a democracy. We decide by majorities, not with weapons. I condemn the assassination attempt in Washington and am glad that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and all those present are safe.’ Merz also posted the statement in German on his official account.
World leaders and officials issued messages of support and condemnation following the incident. US authorities said the Secret Service responded quickly; one suspect was taken into custody and the President and principal attendees were confirmed unharmed. A security officer was reported injured during the response.
The shooting occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, prompting panic among guests and the immediate evacuation of President Trump, the Vice President and senior officials as security personnel secured the venue. According to officials, a 31-year-old man allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the event entrance and suspected gunfire was heard, triggering the law enforcement response.
CNN reported the prime suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, who was identified in connection with the chaos that led to the rapid evacuation of Trump, Vance and other cabinet members. The situation remains under investigation by local and federal authorities. (ANI)
(Note: This article is based on a syndicated feed and is published as received.)
