World leaders condemned what they described as “political violence” after a shooting believed to have targeted U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they were relieved he and others were unharmed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X on April 26 (local time) that she was “relieved” to hear that Trump, first lady Melania Trump and everyone at the dinner were safe, adding that “there must never be violence in politics.”
Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, said political violence is unacceptable in public life and must be firmly rejected. He added it was fortunate that, thanks to a swift response by law enforcement, all attendees were able to evacuate safely.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that he was “shocked,” and that any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom must be condemned “in the strongest terms.” He said he was greatly relieved that Trump, the first lady and all attendees were safe.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that, after reports of a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, he was relieved to learn the president, the first lady and all attendees were safe. “Political violence must not occur in any democracy,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in a statement, praised the efforts of the agencies that responded quickly.
Earlier, gunfire was heard at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., prompting Trump and others at the event to evacuate. The shooter was subdued at the scene.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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