EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “political violence has no place in a democracy,” highlighting that an event intended to celebrate a free press “should never become a scene of fear.”
National leaders shared similar messages.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his shock at the incidents in Washington, stating that any attack on democratic institutions and press freedom is unacceptable. Spain’s Pedro Sánchez condemned the attack, stating: “Violence is never the way.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced her “full solidarity” with Trump and those present, stressing that “no political hatred can find space in our democracies” and leaders “will not allow fanaticism to poison the places of free debate and information.”
Authorities reported that a “lone actor,” armed with a shotgun and other weapons, charged a security checkpoint outside the annual dinner, leading to an exchange of gunfire with security forces. This caused panic inside the ballroom as Trump and other dignitaries were evacuated.
Trump initially indicated he wanted to continue the event but decided against it due to mounting security concerns. “We very much wanted to continue it,” he said at a press conference, adding that he would not let “these sick people … change the fabric of our life.”
One Secret Service officer was hit in his bullet-proof vest but is “doing great,” according to the president, who praised the prompt response.
The suspect, identified as a 31-year-old man from California, was taken into custody and is expected to face multiple firearm-related charges, including assaulting an officer with a deadly weapon.
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