World leaders react to WHCA dinner shooting

World leaders were quick to respond after an armed man disrupted the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday night, which led to the president and first lady being evacuated and journalists and attendees taking cover under tables.

Law enforcement exchanged fire with the gunman before he was subdued. President Trump said Saturday that the event would be rescheduled.

The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, according to police, broke through a security check outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was held.

Trump struck a tone of unity Saturday night at a late-night press conference, thanking the journalists in attendance for their “responsible” coverage of the event.

“But in light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolving our differences peacefully. We have to. We have to resolve our differences,” Trump said.

Leaders from across the U.S. and around the world have offered statements of support.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence in a post on the social platform X.

“Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. 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 wrote.

NATO chief Mark Rutte, who has had success recently with communicating with Trump on key issues, like the proposed annexation of Greenland, offered his support for the president.

“I am shocked by the attack on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Relieved that President Trump, the First Lady and all the guests are safe and sound,” Rutte said on X. “This was an attack on our free and open societies. We stand for democracy and in solidarity with the United States.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the “assassination attempt.”

“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 said on X.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese applauded the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement “for their swift action,” according to Al Jazeera.

“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, the outlet reported.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also said he was relieved to learn the president and first lady were alright.

“I am relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe following reports of gunfire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington tonight. Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event,” he said in a post on X.

President of the European Union Ursula von der Leyen struck a similar tone of support.

“Relieved to hear that @POTUS Donald Trump and @FLOTUS Melania Trump and everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe. Violence has no place in politics, ever. With thanks to the swift action of the police and responders for ensuring the safety of the guests,” von der Leyen, who has often disagreed with Trump publicly, said in a post on X.

Von der Leyen said Sunday on X that she had personally spoken to Trump “to express my solidarity.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has also often clashed with Trump, also condemned the violence.

“We condemn the attack that took place tonight against President @realDonaldTrump. Violence is never the way. Humanity will only advance through democracy, coexistence, and peace,” he said in a post on X.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also offered support for Trump.

“It’s great that President Trump and his wife are doing well after the recent events. We send our respect. Violence should never be the way,” she said on X.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has played a key role in the ongoing talks regarding the ceasefire in Iran, weighed in as well.

“Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., a short while ago. Relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him continued safety and well-being,” he said on X.

Lebanon’s president, who has been involved in talks among the U.S. and Israel regarding a ceasefire on Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah, also offered his support for Trump.

“President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, sent a cable to U.S. President Donald Trump congratulating him on his survival from last night’s shooting incident in Washington, which nearly put his life in danger. And President Aoun expressed in his cable full solidarity with President Trump in the face of such regrettable events that target security and stability, affirming his strong condemnation of acts of violence in all their forms, and wishing that the United States of America enjoys security and safety,” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s account on X posted.

And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also a major player in the conversations surrounding the Iran war, offered his support as well.

Sara and I were shocked by the attempted assassination of President

“@realDonaldTrump last night in Washington, DC. We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong. We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the US Secret Service for their swift and decisive action,” he said on X.

And Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, who took power after Trump detained former President Nicolás Maduro, sent well wishes to the president also.

“We strongly condemn the attempted attack against President @realDonaldTrump and his wife, Melania Trump. We extend our best wishes to them and to all attendees of the Correspondent’s Dinner. Violence is never an option for those who uphold the values of peace,” she said in a post on X.

Julia Manchester and Mallory Wilson contributed

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