'Relieved to learn Trump, First Lady safe': PM Modi says violence has no place in democracy

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed relief over the safety of US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and vice president JD Vance after a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner."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. I extend my best wishes for their continued safety and well-being. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned," he said on X.The shooting occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, where a man armed with a shotgun attempted to breach security near the main screening area. He opened fire, hitting a Secret Service agent, though the officer was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and was not seriously injured. Panic spread inside the packed hall as hundreds of guests ducked under tables while security personnel rushed in. The United States Secret Service quickly took the suspect into custody, and all top officials, including Donald Trump, were safely evacuated.Also read: More than a dozen threats & assassination attempts — Timeline of attacks against Donald TrumpAuthorities identified the suspect as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California. The incident unfolded near the main entry checkpoint as guests were arriving, prompting an immediate lockdown of the venue. Members of the National Guard were deployed inside while attendees were evacuated but not allowed to re-enter. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, and security outside the hotel was significantly tightened as investigations began, with the motive still unclear.