'Trump Was Fearless': Here's How World Leaders Reacted To Shooting At White House Dinner

Last Updated:April 26, 2026, 21:19 IST

Shooting near the White House Correspondents Dinner prompts evacuation of Donald Trump, one Secret Service agent injured, suspect held, global leaders condemn political violence

Political leaders from across the world reacted with shock and concern after a shooting incident disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) in Washington, where US President Donald Trump and top officials were present.

Gunshots were fired near the security area of the Washington Hilton during the high-profile event, triggering panic among nearly 2,000 attendees. Trump and other dignitaries were swiftly evacuated, while a suspect was taken into custody. One Secret Service agent was injured in the incident.

The incident has sparked global concern over rising political violence and security risks at major public events involving world leaders.

Here’s how leaders in the US and around the world are reacting:

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked by the scenes" of violence at the event and denounced the attack. “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," he said.

Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese applauded the US Secret Service and other law enforcement “for their swift action". “I am pleased to hear the President and the First Lady, along with all attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, are safe," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he is “relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe". “Political violence has no place in any democracy, and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event," said Carney.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed relief for the safety of attendees and thanked police and responders for their “swift action". “Violence has no place in politics, ever," she said.

The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a similar statement of condemnation, saying “political violence has no place in a democracy". “An event meant to honour a free press should never become a scene of fear," Kallas said, while wishing the injured officer a quick recovery.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who Trump has often clashed with, said “we condemn the attack that took place… against President Donald Trump".

“Violence is never the way. Humanity will only advance through democracy, coexistence, and peace," he said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US President Donald Trump was fearless when the attack took place inside the White House on Saturday night. In a post on X, she wrote, “What was supposed to be a fun night at the @WHCA dinner with President Trump delivering jokes and celebrating free speech was hijacked by a depraved crazy person who sought to assassinate the President and kill as many top Trump administration officials as possible."

“I was with President Trump and the First Lady back stage after we were quickly ushered to safety by Secret Service. President Trump was truly fearless, but as he said last night, this political violence needs to end," she added.

“Thank you to law enforcement for keeping all of us safe, including the brave agent who took a bullet to the chest and immediately moved to neutralize the shooter. Pray for our country," the post said.

Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk also extended his support to the US following White House shooting incident. In a post on X, Tusk wrote, “The whole free world unites today in condemnation of the attempted attack in Washington. Poland stands in full solidarity with America."

News world 'Trump Was Fearless': Here's How World Leaders Reacted To Shooting At White House Dinner

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