World leaders expressed shock after a shooter charged a glitzy media gala in Washington on Saturday night attended by U.S. President Donald Trump — and relief that there were no casualties.
U.S. law enforcement said the sole suspect, armed with "a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives," has been detained and will face charges Monday in federal court.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Sunday condemned a reported assassination attempt targeting Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, expressing relief that no one was injured.
“In a post on X, Erdoğan said he ‘strongly condemns the armed attack attempt that took place last night in Washington at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.’ He added that it was ‘reassuring that no one, including President Trump and his esteemed wife Melania Trump, was harmed.’”
“Struggles in democracies are conducted through ideas; there is no place for any form of violence,” Erdoğan said, extending his well wishes to Trump, his family, the U.S. administration and the American people.
Britain's PM Keir Starmet 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.
Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife Sara "were shocked by the attempted assassination" of Trump.
"We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong," Netanyahu wrote on X.
"We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the U.S. Secret Service for their swift and decisive action."
The prime minister of India said he was "relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed."
"I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned," Modi wrote on X.
The 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 my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event," Carney wrote on X.
The Mexican president wrote on X that "it is good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events. We send them our respect."
"Violence must never be the way," Claudia Sheinbaum added.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned what he called "the attack that took place tonight against President (Trump)."
"Violence is never the answer. Humanity will only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace," Sanchez wrote on X.
The Pakistani prime minister wrote he was "deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident."
"Relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him continued safety and well-being," Sharif wrote on X.
