ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- World leaders have condemned the shooting incident at a high-profile media gala in Washington attended by Donald Trump, expressing shock over the attack and relief that no lives were lost.
The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, where a lone suspect armed with “a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives” forced his way into the venue before being subdued by security operatives.
Authorities confirmed the suspect is in custody and will face federal charges.
Reacting swiftly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the development as disturbing, warning that any attack on democratic institutions and press freedom must be “condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he and his wife were shocked by what he termed an attempted assassination, adding that they were relieved the US President and First Lady were safe.
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Similarly, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was reassured that President Trump and other top officials escaped unhurt, stressing that violence has no place in a democracy.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed relief over the safety of attendees, insisting that political violence must never be tolerated in any democratic setting.
From Latin America, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was good news that Trump and his wife were unharmed, adding that “violence must never be the way.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the attack, noting that humanity can only progress through democracy, coexistence and peace.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was deeply shocked by the incident, while offering prayers and well wishes for the continued safety of the US President and all those affected.
The global response underscores widespread concern over rising threats to democratic institutions, even as leaders united in stressing that violence must never be allowed to undermine political stability or public confidence.