Modi expresses relief as Trump escapes shooting attempt

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (26 April) expressed relief following a security breach at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner, where US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed to safety after a man opened fire with a shotgun on security personnel.

"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," Modi said on X.

The Indian prime minister extended his best wishes for their continued safety, emphasising that violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned.

The incident occurred last night at the Washington Hilton hotel when an armed man, described by officials as a "lone wolf," attempted to breach security near the main screening area.

Secret Service agents immediately evacuated the US president and first lady from the ballroom as the sounds of gunfire sparked panic among the 2,600 attendees.

Security personnel in combat fatigues stormed the stage while cabinet officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were pushed to the floor for protection.

Following the arrest of the suspect, Trump told reporters that a bulletproof vest saved a Secret Service agent's life.

Trump safe after shooting at White House Correspondents' Dinner, suspect in custody

He described the assailant as a person who appeared "pretty evil" in CCTV footage of the charge. This latest breach follows two previous assassination attempts on Trump in 2024, including the July shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The site of the dinner holds historical significance, as the Washington Hilton was also the scene of the 1981 attempt on the then-US president Ronald Reagan's life.

Despite the chaos, Trump expressed hope that the dinner, the first he has attended as president, could be rescheduled within the next month.