World leaders react after shots fired at White House Correspondents' Dinner
World leaders have expressed their relief that President Donald Trump and guests at the White House Correspondents' Dinner are safe after shots were fired on Saturday (25.04.26).
President Donald Trump has received support from world leaders
The 79-year-old president, his wife Melania, and Vice President JD Vance were rushed from the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, while other attendees hid under tables after a man - who has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen - rushed passed a security checkpoint, allegedly carrying guns and weapons, and prominent politicians across the globe have spoken out to denounce political violence.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X: "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.”
And Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum declared it was "good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events”.
She added: “We send them our respect. Violence must never be the way."
Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, praised the response to the incident.
He said in a statement: "I am pleased to hear the President and the First Lady, along with all attendees at the White House Correspondents' Dinner are safe.
“We applaud the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift action."
US politicians from both Trump's Republican party and rival Democrats have also condemned the incident.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a democrat, wrote on X: "Political violence has no place in our democracy."
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said: "Let's all pray for calmer waters and try to be part of the solution, not the problem."
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - whose husband was attacked during a 2022 kidnap plot - said: "As someone whose family has suffered political violence, my prayers are with the injured officer and all those affected by the trauma of these horrible incidents."
One agent was shot during the incident, but protected by a bullet-proof vest.
During a press conference, Trump reassured reporters the unnamed man is in "great shape", and officials confirmed he is receiving treatment in hospital.
