Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed relief that US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were unharmed following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC.
Condemning the incident, PM Modi reiterated that violence has no place in a democracy.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister posted, “Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.”
Relieved to learn that President Trump, the First Lady and Vice President are safe and unharmed following the recent security incident at a Washington DC hotel. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2026
What Happened at the Venue
The incident unfolded on Saturday night when multiple gunshots were reported at the venue, triggering panic among attendees. Secret Service agents and security personnel rushed into the banquet hall, urging guests to take cover.
Witnesses reported hearing five to eight gunshots as hundreds of journalists, political leaders, and celebrities were evacuated.
National Guard personnel were deployed, and security was tightened across the area. Authorities confirmed that the suspect had been apprehended.
Trump later praised the response of security agencies, stating, “Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we “LET THE SHOW GO ON” but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement. They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Investigators identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old from California.
According to The New York Times, he was detained after attempting to breach a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton.
Authorities said the suspect, armed with multiple weapons, fired several rounds before being subdued within the hotel complex.
Trump described the attacker as ‘a sick person’ and indicated early assessments pointed to a lone actor. Federal agencies continue to investigate the motive and background of the suspect.
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