WASHINGTON, Apr 26: World leaders expressed shock after a shooter charged a glitzy media gala in Washington on Saturday night attended by US President Donald Trump -- and relief that there were no casualties.
US law enforcement said the sole suspect, armed with "a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives," has been detained and will face charges Monday in federal court.
Here is how leaders reacted:
King Charles III: King Charles III was "greatly relieved" Trump, his wife Melania and other guests were unharmed, Buckingham Palace said.
The incident came less than 48 hours before Charles and Queen Camilla begin a four-day state visit to the United States. The British monarch was being "kept fully informed of developments", the palace added.
"Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms," Starmer wrote on X.
Emmanuel Macron: French President Emmanuel Macron said the incident was "unacceptable".
"Violence has no place in a democracy," he said on X. "I extend my full support to Donald Trump."
Giorgia Meloni: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her "full solidarity and sincere sympathy" to Trump and the others present at the event.
"Political hatred has no place in our democracies. We will not allow fanaticism to poison the spaces of free debate and information," she said.
Narendra Modi: The prime minister of India said he was "relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed."
"I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned," Modi wrote on X.
Mark Carney: The Canadian prime minister said he was "relieved that the President, the First Lady, and all guests are safe."
"Political violence has no place in any democracy and my thoughts are with all those who have been shaken by this disturbing event," Carney wrote on X.
Ursula von der Leyen: The EU chief said on X: "Violence has no place in politics, ever" and lauded "the swift action of the police and responders for ensuring the safety of the guests".
Friedrich Merz: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz echoed the message that "violence has no place in a democracy", writing on X: "We decide by majorities, not by the gun."
Shehbaz Sharif: The Pakistani prime minister wrote he was "deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident."
"Relieved to know that President Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees are safe. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him continued safety and well-being," Sharif wrote on X.�"AFP
