International condemnation has been sparked by the armed attack that occurred during the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington, D.C., in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The US president was escorted off site for security reasons and the 31-year-old assailant was arrested on the spot. The shooting caused a disturbance among those in attendance. One agent was slightly injured, and officials are safe.
The incident opened a new round of debate about political violence and institutional security.
The attack in question prompted a wave of reactions from leaders around the world, who condemned the incident.
All positions converge on the fact that violence is not a solution. On the contrary, it threatens democratic institutions and public life.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Violence has no place”
The Greek prime minister called it a “harsh reminder”. He stressed that democracy does not go along with such actions. He stood by the fact that Trump and the attendees are fine.
The attack at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is a stark reminder that violence has no place in democracy. It’s a relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all attendees are safe, but such incidents can never be tolerated. Protecting democratic institutions is non-negotiable.
– Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) April 26, 2026
Emmanuel Macron: “Unacceptable act”
The French president condemned the incident. He expressed his support for his American counterpart.
The armed attack targeting the President of the United States last night is unacceptable. Violence has no place in a democracy. I extend my full support to Donald Trump.
– Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) April 26, 2026
Benjamin Netanyahu: “Shock and relief”
The Israeli prime minister spoke of shock. He expressed relief for Trump’s safety. He wished the wounded man recovery and praised the security response.
Sara and I were shocked by the attempted assassination of President @realDonaldTrump last night in Washington, D.C. We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong. We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute…
– Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 26, 2026
Sara and I were shocked by the attempted assassination of President @realDonaldTrump last night in Washington, D.C. We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong. We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute…
– Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 26, 2026
Georgia Meloni: “No to hate”
The Italian prime minister stressed that political hatred has no place. She warned of the risk of influencing the public debate.
Desidero esprimere la mia piena solidarietà e più sincera vicinanza al Presidente Trump, alla First Lady Melania, al Vice Presidente Vance e a tutti i presenti per quanto accaduto alla cena dei Corrispondenti della Casa Bianca di ieri sera.
Nessun odio politico può trovare…
– Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) April 26, 2026
Pedro Sanchez: “Violence leads nowhere”
The Spanish prime minister reiterated that peace and coexistence are essential elements of progress.
Condenamos el ataque que se ha ha producido esta noche contra el presidente @realDonaldTrump.
La violencia nunca es el camino. La humanidad solo avanzará a través de la democracia, la convivencia y la paz.
– Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 26, 2026
Lee Jae-myung: “A threat to institutions”
The South Korean president called the incident shocking. He stressed that such actions hurt democratic stability.
오늘 백악관 기자단 만찬에서 발생한 폭력 사태에 충격을 금할 수 없습니다. 무엇보다 언론과의 소통과 표현의 자유를 확인하는 자리에서 이와 같은 일이 발생했기에 더욱 안타깝습니다.
도널드 트럼프 대통령 내외를 비롯해 현장에 계셨던 모든 분들이 무사하다는 소식에 안도하며, 미국 국민…
– 이재명 (@Jaemyung_Lee) April 26, 2026
Narendra Modi: “No tolerance”
The Indian Prime Minister said such acts should be condemned without any doubt.
Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be…
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2026
Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be…
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2026
Mark Carney: “Not acceptable”
The Canadian Prime Minister expressed sympathy. He stressed that political violence cannot be tolerated.
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…
– Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 26, 2026
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…
– Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 26, 2026
Kir Starmer: “Shocking images”
The British prime minister spoke of shock. He noted that attacks on press freedom must be condemned immediately.
I am 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.
It is a huge relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all those…
– Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 26, 2026
I am 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.
It is a huge relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all those…
– Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 26, 2026
Shehbaz Sharif: “Deep concern”
Pakistani Prime Minister said he was shocked. He wished everything goes smoothly for the health of those involved.
Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., a short while ago.
Relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees are safe.
My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish…
– Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 26, 2026