Pakistan PM says ‘deeply shocked’ by White House gala shooting incident

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif said Sunday he was “deeply shocked” by a shooting incident at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, expressing relief that President Donald Trump, the first lady and other attendees were safe.

The incident occurred Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the U.S. president and his wife were seated ahead of the annual media gala. Gunshots were heard outside the ballroom, prompting security to rush Trump from the venue.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump said he and others present, including the first lady and Cabinet officials, were unharmed. He said a shooter had been “apprehended.”

Speaking to reporters after the incident, Trump said an armed man had charged a security checkpoint and was “taken down” by U.S. Secret Service personnel. He added that a Secret Service officer was shot but survived due to a bulletproof jacket.

In Islamabad, Sharif said on the social media platform X that he was “deeply shocked by the disturbing shooting incident” in Washington. He said he was relieved to learn that Trump, his wife and other guests were safe.

“My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him continued safety and well-being,” Sharif wrote.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the shooting, calling it a “heinous act of terrorism,” according to an official statement.

Trump said he believed the suspect acted alone, describing him as a “lone wolf whack job.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation said a suspect was in custody but did not release his identity.

Several world leaders expressed concern following the incident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned. He said he was relieved that Trump and the first lady were safe.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the shooting as terrifying and said violence can never be tolerated anywhere in the world, adding she was relieved to hear Trump was safe.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she was pleased Trump and his wife were unharmed and stressed that violence should never be the answer.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also expressed relief, saying all attendees were safe. He praised the Secret Service and law enforcement agencies for their swift response.

The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is an annual event in Washington attended by journalists, political leaders and public officials, and is one of the most prominent gatherings on the U.S. political calendar.