World leaders have condemned political violence after shots were fired at White House Correspondents' Dinner

World leaders have expressed their relief that President Donald Trump and guests at the White House Correspondents' Dinner are safe after shots were fired on Saturday (25.04.26).

The 79-year-old president, his wife Melania, and Vice President JD Vance were rushed from the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, while other attendees hid under tables after a man - who has been identified as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen - rushed passed a security checkpoint, allegedly carrying guns and weapons, and prominent politicians across the globe have spoken out to denounce political violence.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on 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.”

And Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum declared it was "good that President Trump and his wife are safe following the recent events”.

She added: “We send them our respect. Violence must never be the way."

Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, praised the response to the incident.

He said in a statement: "I am pleased to hear the President and the First Lady, along with all attendees at the White House Correspondents' Dinner are safe.

“We applaud the work of the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift action."