President, PM condemn shooting incident at Washington press dinner, express relief over Trump’s safety

Pakistan’s top leadership on Sunday strongly condemned a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed out by Secret Service agents after an armed man attempted to breach security.

President Asif Ali Zardari stated that he “condemned the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” expressed relief that President Trump and the First Lady are safe, and termed the incident a heinous act of terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also voiced deep concern, saying he was “deeply shocked” by the incident and “relieved” that Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees were safe, extending prayers for their continued well-being.

According to U.S. officials, a man armed with a shotgun fired at a Secret Service agent during the event.

An FBI official told Reuters the agent was hit in an area protected by body armor and was not injured.

All federal officials, including the president, were confirmed safe.

Trump was evacuated from the venue by security personnel, and about an hour later posted on social media that a “shooter had been apprehended,” praising the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response. He later added that the First Lady, Vice President, and Cabinet members were all “in perfect condition.”

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said the agency was investigating a shooting near the main screening area at the entrance to the event, which was held at the Washington Hilton.

The hotel carries historical significance, as it was also the site of the 1981 assassination attempt on former U.S. President Ronald Reagan.

Officials said the investigation into the motive and circumstances of the attack is ongoing.