President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with several world leaders have strongly reacted after a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington DC, expressing relief that President Donald Trump, the First Lady, and other senior officials remained safe.
The incident took place at the Washington Hilton hotel during the high-profile annual media event, where sudden gunfire prompted panic and an immediate security response.
President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance were swiftly evacuated as security forces secured the area. The suspect was later arrested by law enforcement.
Reports indicate that the attacker opened fire at a Secret Service checkpoint outside the venue before being subdued. Authorities are currently investigating the motive behind the attack, while Trump suggested he believed he may have been the intended target.
The incident comes after he previously survived two assassination attempts since 2024, amid growing political tensions in the United States.
In a strong statement, President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack as a “heinous act of terrorism” and expressed relief over the safety of President Trump and the First Lady.
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, expressed relief that President Trump & the First Lady are safe, and termed the incident a heinous act of terrorism.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 26, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the incident “deeply shocking,” saying he was relieved that all attendees were safe and extending prayers for their continued safety and well-being.
Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C., a short while ago.
Relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees are safe.My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 26, 2026
International leaders also voiced firm reactions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack, stressing that violence has no place in a democracy and must be rejected without exception.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the incident as “terrifying,” stating that violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world.
I am relieved to learn that President Trump is safe after the terrifying gunshots. Violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world.
トランプ大統領が、恐ろしい銃撃の後、ご無事だとの報に接し、安心しました。 暴力は、世界のいかなる場所でも、決して容認できません。@POTUS…— 高市早苗 (@takaichi_sanae) April 26, 2026
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was relieved by the safety of the US President and First Lady, adding that violence can never be an answer.
Qué bueno que el presidente Trump y su esposa se encuentren bien, tras los recientes acontecimientos. Le enviamos nuestro respeto. La violencia no debe ser nunca el camino.
— Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo (@Claudiashein) April 26, 2026
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the swift action of security forces, particularly the Secret Service, for quickly controlling the situation and ensuring public safety.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over security at major political and diplomatic events in the United States, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
