ISLAMABAD / WASHINGTON – (ONLINE DESK) Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed “deep shock” over a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner that resulted in the evacuation of President Donald Trump, offering his thoughts and prayers to the U.S. leader and first lady Melania Trump.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated April 26, 2026, Sharif said he was relieved that Trump, the first lady, and all attendees were safe following the incident at the Washington Hilton hotel.
“Deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, DC, a short while ago,” Sharif wrote. “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.”
President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the shooting, with his office describing the incident as “a heinous act of terrorism.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed similar sentiments.
Reaction of Asim Muneer: As of the time of this reporting, there is no public record of a reaction from Asim Muneer regarding the shooting incident. Search results from major news outlets and social media platforms do not show any statement attributed to him.
The shooting occurred on the night of April 25, when an armed suspect — later identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California — rushed a Secret Service checkpoint in the hotel lobby, exchanged gunfire with law enforcement, and was tackled and taken into custody, according to the Secret Service and NBC News reporting. A Secret Service officer was struck in his bulletproof vest and later released from a hospital.
World Leaders Unite in Condemnation
Sharif’s reaction came as part of a broader international wave of condemnation. Leaders from across the globe — including close U.S. allies and strategic partners — expressed relief that Trump was unharmed and denounced political violence.
Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed that “No political hatred can find a place in our democracies” and warned against extremism and fanaticism that endanger free debate.
Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned what he called “the attack that took place tonight against president Trump,” adding that “Violence is never the answer. Humanity will only move forward through democracy, coexistence, and peace.”
France: President Emmanuel Macron described the shooting as “unacceptable” and expressed his full support for President Trump.
Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he and his wife Sara “were shocked by the attempted assassination” of Trump. “We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong,” Netanyahu wrote on X, also wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded officer and praising the U.S. Secret Service for “swift and decisive action.”
European Union: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote that she was “relieved” to hear that Trump and everyone at the dinner were safe, adding that “there must never be violence in politics.” European Council President Antonio Costa said political violence is “unacceptable in public life.” Vice President Kaja Kallas reiterated that “political violence has no place in a democracy” and noted that “an event meant to honour a free press should never become a scene of fear.”
Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “relieved” that Trump and all guests were safe, stressing that “political violence has no place in any democracy.”
United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked by the scenes,” adding that “any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed relief that attendees were safe and applauded the Secret Service and law enforcement for their “swift action.”
Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum said it was “good that President Trump and his wife are safe,” adding that “violence must never be the way.”
Japan: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she was relieved to learn that Trump was safe, adding that “violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world.”
India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe.” “Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” Modi wrote.
South Korea: President Lee Jae-myung expressed shock, stating that “political violence is a grave threat that undermines the very foundation of democracy and can never be justified under any circumstances.”
Venezuela (Acting President): Delcy Rodriguez “strongly” condemned the attack, stating that “violence is never an option for those who uphold the values of peace.”
Suspect in Custody
Authorities said Allen, a Caltech-educated mechanical engineer and independent video game developer with no criminal record, was charged with two counts: using a firearm during a crime of violence and assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in federal court in Washington, D.C.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has been rescheduled to take place within 30 days, Trump said following the incident.
Reporting based on NBC News live blog, official X posts from global leaders, and statements from the Secret Service and U.S. Attorney’s office for Washington, D.C.
