World leaders react to WHCA dinner shooting

World leaders were quick to respond after an armed man disrupted the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday night, which led to the president and first lady being evacuated and journalists and attendees taking cover under tables.

Law enforcement exchanged fire with the gunman before he was subdued. President Trump said Saturday that the event would be rescheduled.

The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives, according to police, broke through a security check outside the ballroom of the Washington Hilton, where the dinner was held.

Trump struck a tone of unity Saturday night at a late-night press conference, thanking the journalists in attendance for their “responsible” coverage of the event.

“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.

Leaders from across the U.S. and around the world have offered statements of support.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the violence in a post on the social platform X.

“Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” he wrote.

NATO chief Mark Rutte, who has had success recently with communicating with Trump on key issues, like the proposed annexation of Greenland, offered his support for the president.

“I am shocked by the attack on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Relieved that President Trump, the First Lady and all the guests are safe and sound,” Rutte said on X. “This was an attack on our free and open societies. We stand for democracy and in solidarity with the United........

© The Hill