WASHINGTON, United States – International leaders issued statements of shock and relief after an armed individual breached a media dinner attended by President Donald Trump in the capital on Saturday.
Okay News reports that US law enforcement detained a suspect armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, with the individual scheduled to face charges in federal court on Monday.
Britain‘s prime minister, Keir Starmer, said he was shocked by the scenes at the event. “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” Starmer said on X on Sunday. The president of France, Emmanuel Macron, said the incident was unacceptable. “Violence has no place in a democracy,” Macron said. “I extend my full support to Donald Trump.”
The prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he and his wife Sara Netanyahu were shocked by the attempted assassination. “We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong,” Netanyahu said. “We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the US Secret Service for their swift and decisive action.” The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, said he was relieved to learn that the attendees were 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 said.
The prime minister of Canada, Mark Carney, said he was relieved the attendees were 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 said. The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, said it was good that the president and his wife were safe. “Violence must never be the way,” Sheinbaum said.
The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, condemned the attack. “Violence is never the answer. Humanity will only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace,” Sanchez said. European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said she was relieved there were no casualties, adding: “An event meant to honour a free press should never become a scene of fear.” The prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, said he was shocked by the 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 said.
