‘Violence must never be the way’: world leaders react to Washington shooting at Trump event | White House correspondents’ dinner shooting
Leaders from around the world condemned this act of “political violence” and expressed relief that US President Donald Trump, officials and journalists were unharmed after the shooting incident at the White House correspondents’ dinner.
Donald and Melania Trump, as well as US cabinet members, were evacuated from the ballroom at the Washington Hilton on Saturday after gunshots were heard in the hotel lobby.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, whose government is locked in tense trade talks with the US, said on social platform
“Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with everyone shaken by this disturbing incident.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the leader of America’s southern neighbor, said, “It is good that President Trump and his wife are safe after recent events.”
“We pay our respects to them. Violence should never be the way,” Sheinbaum said.
Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he was pleased to hear all participants were safe. “We appreciate the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement for their swift action,” he said in a statement.
British Ambassador to the USA Christian Turner and some embassy officials attended the dinner. He said he and others at X were “grateful for the quick and professional response of the secret service.”
“We are grateful that the President and those present were unharmed, and we send our best wishes to the injured officer,” Turner said.
D.C. police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said investigators believe the suspect fired shots and was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. He also stated that the suspect was thought to be a guest at the hotel.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a press conference Saturday night that a lone gunman attacked Secret Service officers in the hotel lobby. He said there was no reason to believe anyone else was involved.
The suspect is in custody and is being “evaluated” at a local hospital. The man was identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, The Associated Press reported, citing two law enforcement officials.
