World leaders react to Washington shooting at Trump campaign event

Ben SmeeSunday April 26, 2026

A night meant to celebrate Washington’s political press corps was abruptly thrown into chaos when gunfire broke out outside the White House correspondents dinner, prompting global concern and swift condemnation from world leaders.

US president Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, officials and journalists were hurried out of the ballroom at the Washington Hilton on Saturday after shots were heard from the hotel lobby. An armed man later tried to force his way into the event.

Canadian prime minister Mark Carney, whose government had been locked in tense trade talks with the US, said on social platform X: “I am relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe following reports of gunfire at the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington tonight.”

“Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event.”

Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, leader of America’s southern neighbour, also responded quickly, saying it was “good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events”.

“We send them our respect. Violence must never be the way,” Sheinbaum said.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said he was relieved to learn that everyone at the dinner had made it out safely. “We applaud the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift action,” he said in a statement.

British ambassador to the United States Christian Turner, who attended the dinner with other embassy officials, praised the response from security personnel. Writing on X, he said he and others were “grateful for the swift and professional response of the secret service”.

“We are thankful that the president and those in attendance were unharmed & our best wishes are with the injured officer,” Turner said.

Jeffrey Carroll, the DC police chief, said investigators believe the suspect fired a shot and was carrying a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives. He added that the suspect is thought to have been a guest at the hotel.

Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser said at a Saturday night news conference that a lone gunman had rushed toward Secret Service personnel in the hotel lobby. She said there was no indication anyone else was involved.

The suspect remains in custody and is being “evaluated” at a local hospital. The Associated Press reported that he was identified, citing two law enforcement officials, as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.