World Reacts to US Shooting That Led to Trump's Evacuation
A shooting incident occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, forcing President Donald Trump to be evacuated from the venue. The event has prompted rapid reactions from various countries, including Israel, which immediately expressed solidarity. According to Al Jazeera, an armed man managed to breach the security checkpoint outside the ballroom where the annual media gala was held on Saturday night. The perpetrator was then neutralised by US Secret Service agents with gunfire. CBS News reported that the suspected perpetrator claimed to be targeting Trump administration officials. Countries around the world have responded to the incident. What did they say? Israel Amid the situation, Israeli officials were among the quickest to respond. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar affirmed his country’s full support for the United States. “Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and Trump,” said Sa’ar, according to Al Jazeera, quoted on Sunday (26/4/2026). He even condemned the shooting incident in the strongest terms. “Zero tolerance for political violence,” added Sa’ar. In agreement, President Isaac Herzog also conveyed his concern as well as relief over the post-incident situation. “From the Holy Land, we pray for the safety and security of the United States and its leaders after this heinous attack,” said Herzog. He also noted that the US law enforcement officers shot in the incident are now in stable condition and recovering. US Meanwhile, domestically in the US, the incident has drawn widespread condemnation from various political circles. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he and his family are “praying for our country tonight.” Democratic House Minority Leader from New York, Hakeem Jeffries, emphasised that “Violence and chaos in America must end.” Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also appreciated the swift response of the security apparatus. She was “very grateful to the law enforcement members who have performed their duties… and ensured all guests are safe.” Bowser stated that there is no immediate reason to believe anyone other than the shooter was involved in the attack. At the scene, White House senior correspondent Weijia Jiang, who was seated near Trump, highlighted the importance of journalism’s role amid the crisis. “In an emergency, we rush towards the crisis, not away from it,” said Jiang. “On a night when we reflect on the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, we must also consider how fragile those freedoms are,” she said. “Thankfully everyone is safe, and thank you for gathering tonight. We’ll do it again,” she added. Australia Global responses also poured in from several world leaders. Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese stated: “I am glad to hear that the President and First Lady, along with all White House Correspondents’ Dinner attendees, are safe.” Canada Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney added: “Political violence has no place in any democracy, and I extend my empathy to all those shaken by this disturbing event.” Mexico Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also affirmed, “Violence must never be the way out.” Pakistan From Asia, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was “deeply shocked by the disruptive shooting incident” and hoped Trump remains safe. Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar added: “We strongly condemn all forms of violence, which is the enemy of diplomacy and intolerable in any civilised society. We extend our best wishes to (the president) and the American people,” said Dar. India Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed: “Violence has no place in democracy and must be condemned unconditionally.” Venezuela Meanwhile, from Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez stated: “We strongly condemn the attack attempt against President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump.” The incident occurred during an event attended by hundreds of officials, journalists, and public figures, including First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance. To date, all guests are reported to be safe, while authorities continue to evaluate the incident.