President Lee: "Firm Opposition to All Violence in White House Dinner Shooting...Relieved Trump Is Safe"

by Song Seungseop

Published 26 Apr.2026 15:28(KST)

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Vietnam, is speaking during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam at the Prime Minister's Office in Hanoi on April 23, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

President Lee Jae-myung stated on April 26 that "the government of the Republic of Korea firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that undermine the values of democracy and the rule of law" in response to the shooting incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner venue.

On the same day, President Lee wrote on his account on X (formerly Twitter), "Political violence is a grave threat that undermines the foundation of democracy and can never be justified under any circumstances," expressing his stance.

Previously, on April 25, local time in the United States, gunshots were heard during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, which led to U.S. President Donald Trump being evacuated from the event. According to a video posted by President Trump afterwards, the suspect in the shooting, who was carrying multiple weapons, charged at the security checkpoint before being subdued.

President Lee emphasized, "I am deeply shocked by the act of violence that occurred at the White House Correspondents' Dinner today," adding, "It is especially regrettable that such an incident took place at an event dedicated to communication with the press and the affirmation of freedom of expression."

He went on to say, "I am relieved to hear that President Donald Trump and the First Lady, as well as everyone present at the scene, are safe, and I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of the United States."