World leaders express support after Washington DC shooting
President Donald Trump stands on stage as gunshots are heard at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 2026.
World leaders reacted with shock and support to US President Donald Trump on Sunday after a man armed with multiple weapons was captured by US Secret Service agents after attacking a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, on Saturday.
Trump, First Lady Melania and Trump Cabinet members were evacuated from the event. Trump told reporters in the White House briefing room after the incident that a police officer was shot but “was saved by the fact that he was wearing a very good bulletproof vest.”
The suspected shooter was identified later Saturday as Cole Allen of Torrance, California. He remains in custody as authorities investigate the shooting.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:shock“From the dinner scene.
“Any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said in a post on X.
Starmer has been repeatedly criticized by Trump for not being more supportive of the US and Israel’s war against Iran.
According to media reports based on a statement made by Buckingham Palace, King of England III. Charles is “kept fully informed of developments” in the United States. The monarch will visit Trump in the United States on Monday.
“A number of discussions will take place throughout the day with our US colleagues and relevant teams to discuss the extent to which the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact the operational planning of the visit,” the BBC said. I quoted from the palace while saying.
In his speech at the beginning of the government meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “There is no room for violence against political leaders and against anyone. This does not only include the United States; above all, it also includes the State of Israel from within.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, whose country is under attack while Israeli forces are pursuing Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces, also condemned the attack.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is evacuated after a shooter opened fire during the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC, USA.
Jonathan Ernst | Reuters
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who mediates the talks between the USA and Iran, also said that he was shocked by the incident.
“I am relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and the other attendees are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with him and I wish him continued safety and well-being,” the sheriff said in a statement. he said. to mail In X.
Other US allies in the Middle East also voiced their support for Trump.
United Arab EmiratesIran, which has been subjected to repeated retaliatory attacks by Iran, stated that it “strongly condemns such criminal acts and unhesitatingly rejects all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia condemned the shooting.
‘Violence has no place in politics’
European Union leaders reacted unanimously to the shooting.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Violence never has a place in politics.” said in x.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed these sentiments.
Kallas said, “An event meant to honor the free press should never be the scene of fear. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured police officer.” added in a social media post.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose relationship with Trump has deteriorated in recent months due to the Iran war and Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo, also joined the chorus of support for Trump after the attack.
“I want to express my full solidarity and most sincere sympathy to President Trump, First Lady Melania, Vice President Vance, and everyone who was present at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner last night,” Meloni said. he said.
Meloni said, “No political hatred can find a place in our democracies. We will not allow fanaticism to poison spaces of free debate and information. To preserve the values that founded our nations, the defense of the culture of conflict must remain an impenetrable bulwark against any intolerant drift.”
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, one of the US’s staunchest allies in Asia, said: “Political violence is a serious threat that undermines the foundations of democracy and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
