World leaders issued statements following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner Saturday night, expressing relief that President Donald Trump and others in attendance were unharmed.
Gunfire erupted in the lobby of the Washington Hilton, where the event was being held, after a suspect rushed a security checkpoint. Authorities said a Secret Service officer was struck in a ballistic vest, and the suspect was quickly subdued. No attendees were injured.
In the aftermath, several international leaders condemned the incident and voiced support for the United States and President Trump. Among them was Keir Starmer, who wrote on X, “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” adding that it was a “huge relief” that Trump, the first lady, and others were unharmed. His chief secretary, Darren Jones, told Sky News that Starmer had sent a message of solidarity to Trump.
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented, writing, “The armed attack targeting the president of the United States last night is unacceptable. Violence has no place in a democracy. I extend my full support to Donald Trump.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed this sentiment, saying that “violence has no place in a democracy,” and that “we decided by majorities, not by the gun.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose administration has been butting heads with Trump’s team over trade policy, commented, “I am relieved that the president, the first lady, and all guests are safe following reports of gunfire at the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington tonight. Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was “good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events.” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “full solidarity and most sincere closeness to President Trump, to First Lady Melania, to Vice President Vance, and to all those present for what happened at last night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “shocked by the attempted assassination of Trump,” saying, “We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the US Secret Service for their swift and decisive action.”
