President Joseph Aoun upon his arrival at Parliament on Jan. 9, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/ L'Orient Today archives)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun sent a letter expressing his "full solidarity" with U.S. President Donald Trump after Trump was evacuated from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington following gunfire on Saturday night, the Lebanese presidency’s X account said on Sunday.
"President Aoun expressed his full solidarity with President Trump in the face of such regrettable incidents that threaten security and stability, affirming his strong condemnation of all acts of violence ... and wishing the United States of America safety and security," the presidency said. Aoun also "congratulated" Trump for escaping the attack "which could have endangered his life."
On Saturday night, U.S. Secret Service agents evacuated Trump after shots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, which brings together the elite of politics and the media. The assailant was arrested before he could enter the room where the dinner was taking place. Gunshots were exchanged, according to police. The assailant was arrested before he could enter the room where the dinner was taking place.
Aoun's letter came after an initial call between Aoun and Trump, during which Trump announced on April 16 a cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel, later extended for three weeks.
Other leaders express support for Trump
French President Emmanuel Macron also denounced on Sunday. "The armed attack targeting the President of the United States last night is unacceptable. Violence has no place in a democracy. I extend my full support to Donald Trump." Macron wrote on X.
Several political leaders reacted to the incident. On X, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "shocked by the scenes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington overnight." He added, "Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms." He also expressed "huge relief" that Trump, the first lady and all the attendees are safe.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he and his wife Sara were "shocked by the attempted assassination." "We are relieved that the President and the First Lady are safe and strong," Netanyahu wrote on his X account. "We send our wishes for a full and speedy recovery to the wounded police officer and salute the US Secret Service for their swift and decisive action."
