South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday condemned a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, calling political violence “a serious threat that undermines the foundations of democracy” and saying it can never be justified for any reason.
In a post on X, Lee said he was “shocked” by the violence at the dinner, a gathering meant to reaffirm communication with the press and freedom of expression.
He said he was relieved to hear that President Donald Trump and his wife, along with others at the scene, were reported safe and unhurt, and he offered condolences to the American people.
Lee said the South Korean government firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that damage the values of democracy and the rule of law. He posted the message in both Korean and English.
According to foreign media reports, a gunman on Friday local time fired at Secret Service agents while trying to breach security at the WHCA dinner at the Washington Hilton hotel.
After gunshots were heard, Trump and other key attendees evacuated. No injuries were reported, and the suspect was arrested at the scene and remains in custody.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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