Orbán sends Trump message after shooting in Washington

An armed man disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington late Saturday, in what authorities are treating as an attempted attack on Donald Trump.

According to Telex, the suspect opened fire during the event, striking a Secret Service officer. The officer survived thanks to a bulletproof vest, while Trump was unharmed and swiftly evacuated by security personnel alongside other attendees.

The suspect, identified as a 31-year-old man from California, was reportedly carrying a handgun, a rifle and several knives. Preliminary investigations suggest he may have acted alone.

Orbán reacts: “No place for violence”

Among the international leaders responding to the incident was outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who shared a message on social media expressing concern and solidarity.

“Troubled by the news of the attempted shooting of President @realDonaldTrump at an event in Washington. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and Melania. There’s no place for violence in politics!” Orbán wrote.

Orbán and Trump have maintained a close political relationship in recent years, often backing each other during election campaigns, although their ties have appeared less prominent following Orbán’s recent defeat.

Global leaders unite in condemnation

A wave of international reaction followed the incident, with leaders across Europe strongly denouncing the attack.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “shocked” by the shooting and relieved that no further injuries occurred, stressing that attacks on democratic institutions and press freedom must be firmly rejected.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “full solidarity” with Trump, emphasising that political hatred must not be allowed to poison democratic discourse.

French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as unacceptable, reiterating that violence has no place in democracy. Similar sentiments were echoed by Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, both of whom condemned the incident and welcomed that attendees remained safe.

Heightened security ahead of royal visit

In the wake of the incident, security preparations for the upcoming Washington visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla are being reinforced. British and US security services are reportedly working closely together to ensure the visit proceeds safely.

Investigation ongoing

According to Index, Trump later addressed the incident at a press conference at the White House, confirming that he had spoken with Washington’s mayor and that local law enforcement is actively involved in the investigation.

Video footage shared on social media appears to show Secret Service agents confronting the suspect during the chaos.