WASHINGTON, United States: World leaders condemned the Washington gala shooting after an armed suspect breached a high-profile media dinner attended by President Donald Trump. Officials reported no casualties.
US law enforcement officials said officers detained the suspect, who carried a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. Prosecutors are expected to charge the suspect in federal court on Monday. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said scenes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner had shocked him. He condemned attacks on democratic institutions and press freedom.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, felt shocked by what he described as an attempt to assassinate Trump. He added that they felt relieved to learn that the president and first lady remained safe. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi likewise expressed relief that Trump, the first lady, and the vice president remained safe and unharmed. He emphasised that violence has no place in a democracy.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said political violence had no place in any democracy and that his thoughts were with those shaken by the incident. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was good that Trump and his wife were safe, adding that violence must never be the way.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned what he described as an attack on Trump and said humanity would move forward through democracy, coexistence and peace. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the shooting incident deeply shocked him and added that he felt relieved to know that Trump, the first lady, and the other attendees were safe.
