The shooting at the Washington Hilton hotel occurred during the annual correspondents' dinner on Saturday evening local time, according to multiple reports. Several world leaders condemned the attack, with many expressing relief that guests were unharmed. According to reports, the shooter was out to harm people within the administration.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on X that political violence has no place in democracy and expressed relief that the guests at the dinner were unharmed. US Senator Lindsey Graham expressed relief that everyone survived, writing on X that the current time gives rise to an unprecedented stream of threats against President Trump and other government officials. He praised the security personnel who were on site to protect the guests. Democrat Nancy Pelosi wrote that it is a great relief that the president, first lady, and all other participants are safe after a frightening act of violence inside the venue. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on the event, praising security personnel and law enforcement for their rapid response. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the shooting on X, stating that violence has no place in a democracy and must be condemned without reservation.
We completely threw ourselves under the tables.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson commented on the shooting, calling it absolutely terrible. He said he thinks of those who were in the room, the president, and all others at the very large event, and that it could have had absolutely terrible consequences. On X, Kristersson wrote that violence and threats against politicians and journalists undermine democracy and must never be accepted. He stated that they do not know more than what has been reported in the media about the underlying causes.
Several Swedish journalists were present during the dramatic shooting at the gala dinner, according to major media reports. SVT's US correspondent Sofia Yohannes was among those at the dinner. According to Svenska Dagbladet, Sveriges Radio's Ginna Lindberg described throwing themselves under the tables.
The identity and motive of the shooter remain unknown, and it is unclear whether any injuries were reported. The specific security measures in place and how the shooter gained access to the venue have not been disclosed. The current status of the investigation is also not yet known.