Merz and Netanyahu call WHCA shooting an 'assassination attempt' as world leaders rally behind Trump

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM: World leaders issued swift messages of support and condemnation after an armed suspect disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday night, April 25, forcing the evacuation of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

The incident unfolded at the Washington Hilton, where law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the suspect after he breached a security checkpoint. 

Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was taken into custody. Trump said the event would be rescheduled and urged Americans to reject political violence.

Global leaders condemn violence and express solidarity 

Leaders across the world responded within hours of the shooting, describing the incident as an attack on democratic institutions and political stability. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was relieved that Trump and other attendees were safe. In a post on X, Modi wrote: “Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the shooting “an attack on our free and open societies,” adding that NATO stood “in solidarity with the United States.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the incident as an “assassination attempt” and stressed that political disputes should be resolved democratically, not through force.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the response of US security agencies, saying he was pleased all attendees were safe. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney similarly said political violence “has no place in any democracy.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had personally spoken to Trump to convey solidarity and thanked emergency responders for their rapid intervention. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, despite prior political disagreements with Trump, condemned the attack and said democracy and coexistence must prevail over violence.

Trump calls for unity as allies and regional leaders respond

Following the incident, Trump addressed reporters and struck a conciliatory tone, thanking journalists for what he described as responsible conduct during the crisis. 

“But in light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts and resolving our differences peacefully. We have to. We have to resolve our differences,” Trump said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife, Sara, were “shocked” by what he described as an attempted assassination and praised the Secret Service for its “swift and decisive action.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also expressed relief that Trump and the first lady were safe, writing that “violence should never be the way.”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked” and offered prayers for Trump’s safety. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun sent a formal cable of support, condemning violence and reaffirming solidarity with the US. 

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez also condemned the incident, calling violence “never an option for those who uphold the values of peace.”

The shooting has renewed concerns over political security in Washington and prompted scrutiny over how the suspect managed to breach security at one of the capital’s highest-profile political gatherings.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive and security failures surrounding the attack.