World leaders react to Washington gala shooting

AFP , Sunday 26 Apr 2026

World leaders expressed shock after a shooter charged a glitzy media gala in Washington on Saturday night attended by US President Donald Trump -- and relief that there were no casualties.

US
US President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, DC, shortly after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. AFP

 

US 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.

Here is how leaders reacted:

 

Keir Starmer 

 

Britain's prime minister 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.

 

EU

 

 

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Sunday that "political violence has no place in a democracy" following a shooting at a Washington media dinner attended by US President Donald Trump.

Kallas said she was "relieved" there were no casualties but added in a post on X: "Political violence has no place in a democracy. An event meant to honour a free press should never become a scene of fear."

 

 Narendra Modi 

 

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.

 

Mark Carney 

 

The Canadian prime minister 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.

 

Claudia Sheinbaum 

 

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," Sheinbaum added.

 

Pedro Sanchez 

 

Spain's prime minister 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.

 

Shehbaz Sharif 

 

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.

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