Musk says WHCD attackers ‘willing to die’ to target democratically elected president
WASHINGTON, DC: Billionaire Elon Musk said attackers are “willing to die” to target a democratically elected president following the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday.
Musk weighed in online after sharing an X post from the White House that included a statement from President Donald Trump.
“‘In light of this evening's events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully.’ - President Donald J. Trump,” it read.
"In light of this evening's events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully." - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 26, 2026
Shortly after, Musk responded to a Trump supporter who had shared footage from the shooting, which showed Trump being rushed out of the venue.
“They are willing die to kill the democratically elected president,” Musk remarked.
They are willing die to kill the democratically elected president
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 26, 2026
Media response and shaken White House Correspondents’ Dinner room
Several high-profile figures were present inside the room, including Mark Thompson, chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide.
Thompson addressed CNN staff in a memo following the incident. Screenshots of the message were posted to X by Brian Stelter, the network’s chief media analyst.
“We know this was a frightening and disruptive situation for those in the room, and for your colleagues and loved ones watching live on CNN. Moments like this can stay with you in ways that aren't necessarily immediate or obvious,” Thompson wrote.
“Please take care of yourselves and one another,” he added.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson sent a memo to all of the staffers who attended tonight's WHCA dinner to "acknowledge what we all experienced together tonight:" pic.twitter.com/i2f9YSCvU6
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) April 26, 2026
Lawmakers condemn political violence across party lines
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers condemned the attack.
“Political violence has no place in our democracy,” Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand wrote on X.
I’m relieved everyone attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe. Law enforcement and the Secret Service responded quickly, and I’m grateful for their swift response.
— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) April 26, 2026
Political violence has no place in our democracy.
“As someone whose family has suffered political violence, my prayers are with the injured officer and all those affected by the trauma of these horrible incidents,” former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi wrote on X.
It is a great relief that the President, First Lady and everyone in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe following a terrifying act of violence inside the venue.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) April 26, 2026
The brave men and women of the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement are to…
Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi, was attacked in the couple’s San Francisco home in late 2022, in what prosecutors later described as “a violent plan to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, to hold her hostage, to break her kneecaps, to teach her a lesson.”
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham shared a pointed warning, saying rising threats against political figures are “unprecedented” and urging unity.
Very thankful to God that President Trump and the First Lady, Vice President Vance and the Second Lady are okay, as well as everyone else attending the dinner.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) April 26, 2026
The only thing I’m certain of is that the times in which we live are creating a stream of threats that are…
Republican Rep. Warren Davidson also called for an end to political violence, praising law enforcement and the Secret Service for their quick response.
The political violence has to stop.
— Rep. Warren Davidson (@Rep_Davidson) April 26, 2026
I am grateful for law enforcement and the Secret Service who acted swiftly to protect President Trump and all those in attendance at the White House Correspondents Dinner.
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons called the incident a “horrifying reminder” of escalating political violence, especially at an event tied to press freedom.
What happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner tonight is a horrifying reminder that political violence has taken hold in this country. The fact that it unfolded at an event celebrating a free press—a core pillar of democracy—should concern every American.
— Senator Chris Coons (@ChrisCoons) April 26, 2026
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also said political violence is “absolutely unacceptable” and expressed relief that attendees were safe.
Political violence is absolutely unacceptable.
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) April 26, 2026
I am glad the President and guests at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe.
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