The United States is reviewing the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., with President Donald Trump rushed from the scene.
On Saturday night, a gunman charged into a security checkpoint outside the ballroom for the annual media gala, before being subdued by U.S. Secret Service agents under gunfire.
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CBS News reported that the alleged attacker told authorities he was targeting Trump administration officials.
Here’s how U.S. and world leaders are reacting to the news.
US:
The event was attended by First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and many other government officials, as well as hundreds of journalists and celebrities, and figures from across the political spectrum condemned the attack.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, who attended the event with Mrs. Kelly, said they were both “praying for our country tonight.”
“The violence and chaos in America must end,” said Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.
“We are very grateful to the members of law enforcement who performed their duties and ensured the safety of all our guests,” said Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. She said there was no immediate reason to believe anyone other than the gunman was involved in the attack.
Jiang Weijia, CBS News’ senior White House correspondent and president of the White House Correspondents Association, who sat next to President Trump as the incident unfolded, emphasized the public service role of journalism: “When an emergency occurs, we don’t run away from the crisis, we run towards it.”
“Every night we think about First Amendment freedoms, we also have to think about how fragile they are,” she said. “Thank God everyone is safe. And thank you for coming together tonight. Let’s do this again.”
England:
British Ambassador to the US Christian Turner said several British embassy officials attended the event and thanked the US Secret Service for the “swift and professional response”.
“We are grateful that the president and everyone present were unharmed. We pray for the injured police officer,” he said on social media.
Australia
Prime Minister Antony Albanese also praised the “swift action” of the U.S. Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies.
“I am pleased to hear that the president, first lady, and all attendees of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe,” he said.
Canada:
Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “I am relieved that the president, the first lady and all of their guests are safe.”
“Political violence has no place in any democracy, and my thoughts are with all those who are shaken by this disturbing event,” Carney said.
Mexico:
President Claudia Sheinbaum also expressed relief that Trump and his wife were safe. “We salute them,” she wrote to X. “There should never be violence.”
Israel:
Officials quickly expressed solidarity with U.S. leaders and condemned the attack.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, “Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and Trump.” He said he condemned the shooting “in the strongest terms possible.” “We have no tolerance for political violence,” Saar added.
President Isaac Herzog also expressed relief that the American law enforcement officer shot during the attack was “safe and recovering.”
“From our sacred sites, we pray for the safety and security of the United States of America and its leaders after this heinous attack,” Herzog said.
Pakistan:
Leaders of Pakistan, which emerged as a key intermediary between the United States and Iran during the war, issued strong statements of condemnation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked by the alarming shooting incident” and was relieved that those in attendance were safe. He said his “thoughts and prayers” are with Mr. Trump and wishes him continued safety and well-being.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishak Dar also expressed relief that President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and the vice president were safe.
“We strongly condemn violence in all its forms. Violence is the enemy of diplomacy and cannot be tolerated in any civilized society. We wish (the president) and the American people the best of luck,” Dahl said.
India:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed relief that President Trump, his wife and vice president were safe. “I wish them all the best in their future safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Venezuela:
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after the United States kidnapped and imprisoned Nicolás Maduro in January, said in a statement that she “strongly condemns the attempted attack on President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.”
“We wish them and all those attending the Correspondents’ Dinner the best of luck,” she said. “Violence is never an option for those who uphold the values of peace.”
