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.
“The Guardian” reports following the decisive election defeat in Hungary, close associates of Viktor Orbán have reportedly begun hastily moving financial assets out of the country.
According to the British newspaper,” several private jets have already taken off from Vienna, allegedly transporting assets accumulated during Orbán’s 16 years in power. Furthermore, leading figures in Orbán’s inner circle are said to be exploring visa options in the US. The aim is to take up positions with institutions linked to US President Donald Trump’s “MAGA” movement, as several sources told the “Guardian.”
Since the election in Hungary, at least three members have begun transferring their assets abroad, according to the “Guardian.” These assets are reportedly being transferred to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, while others are focusing on Australia and Singapore, as confirmed to the newspaper by two sources within the Fidesz party.
Prime Minister-designate Péter Magyar also accused oligarchs linked to Fidesz of trying to protect their wealth from accountability. “Oligarchs connected to Orbán are transferring tens of billions of forints to the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Uruguay, and other far-flung countries,” Magyar said on social media on Saturday. He called on the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, and the head of the tax authority to “arrest the criminals” and “not allow them to flee to countries” where extradition would be unlikely.
Since Orbán took office in 2010, a close circle of allies of the prime minister and his Fidesz party has amassed considerable wealth—not least through increasing influence over key economic sectors and lucrative, EU-funded infrastructure projects.
Why every time Trump has failure there is a fire attempt 😂😂😂
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and Melania. There’s no place for violence in politics!” Orbán wrote. Who is “our”…you don’t represnt us anymore, you are now just a sh!t stain in Hungarian history!