Washington DC [US], April 26 (ANI): Global support and messages condemning political violence poured in from world leaders on Sunday following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC, where US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and other senior officials were present.
Officials said the US Secret Service responded quickly and one suspect was taken into custody. Authorities confirmed the President and primary attendees were unharmed, though a security officer was injured during the response.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on X that he and his wife Sara were “shocked by the attempted assassination” and relieved the President and First Lady were safe, praising security forces for their rapid response and wishing the injured officer a speedy recovery.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the incident “terrifying” on X, stressing that “violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world,” and extended wishes for a swift recovery to the injured officer.
European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas described the event as “deeply disturbing,” saying political violence has no place in democratic societies and praising the quick evacuation of attendees. “An event meant to honour a free press should never become a scene of fear,” she wrote.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attack, saying “humanity will only advance through democracy, coexistence, and peace,” while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed solidarity with US leaders and warned against political hatred and extremism poisoning democratic spaces.
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez called the violence “unacceptable in any civilised society” and extended wishes for recovery to those injured. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was relieved all guests were safe and praised the Secret Service for its swift action.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said violence “should never be the way” and offered respect and support to US leadership. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi unequivocally condemned the shooting, stating “violence has no place in a democracy,” and expressed relief that the President and First Lady were safe.
The shooting occurred during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, causing panic among guests and prompting immediate evacuation of the President, Vice President, and senior officials. The event, traditionally a gathering of media and political figures, was abruptly disrupted as security forces secured the area.
Officials say a 31-year-old man allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the event entrance and suspected gunshots were heard, prompting a rapid law enforcement and Secret Service response that ushered Trump and others to safety. According to CNN, the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen and is the prime suspect in the incident.
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