World leaders expressed shock after a shooter targeted a glitzy media gala in Washington on Saturday night, attended by US President Donald Trump, and relief that there were no casualties. US law enforcement confirmed that the sole suspect, armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, has been detained and will face charges in federal court on Monday.
Reactions from Global Leaders
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was shocked by the scenes at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington overnight. Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, Starmer wrote on X on Sunday.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as unacceptable, stating that violence has no place in a democracy. He extended his full support to Donald Trump.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her full solidarity and sincere closeness to Trump, the First Lady, Vice President Vance, and all those present at the gala. She emphasized that no political hatred can find space in our democracies and that fanaticism must not be allowed to poison places of free debate and information.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz condemned the attempted attack, saying that violence has no place in a democracy and that decisions are made by majorities, not by the gun.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attempted armed attack, expressing gratification that no one was injured, especially President Trump and his wife Melania. He added that in democracies, struggles are waged with ideas, and there is no place for any form of violence.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe. Political violence has no place in any democracy, and his thoughts were with all those shaken by this disturbing event.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote that it is good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events, sending their respect. She added that violence must never be the way.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attack that took place against President Trump, stating that violence is never the answer and that humanity will only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally, said there is no place for violence in politics.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that political violence has no place in a democracy. She expressed relief that there were no casualties, adding that an event meant to honor a free press should never become a scene of fear.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she was relieved that the US President was safe after the terrifying gunshots, emphasizing that violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world.
