World leaders have condemned the shooting incident at the White House correspondents’ dinner in Washington on Saturday night, describing it as an act of political violence, while expressing relief that US President Donald Trump, officials, and journalists at the event were unharmed.
US authorities said the suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, was arrested after the attack. He was reportedly armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, and is expected to be arraigned in federal court.
Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly planned to assassinate the US president and other top officials. A manifesto attributed to him was said to include a list of intended targets and criticism of government officials, though a clear motive has not yet been confirmed.
The shooting occurred at the Washington Hilton hotel, where Trump and his wife, Melania, along with cabinet members, were evacuated after gunshots were heard from the lobby. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said the suspect, believed to be a hotel guest, rushed security before being detained.
Global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, condemned the attack and welcomed the safety of those involved, stressing the need to protect democratic institutions and freedom of the press as investigations continue.
