New Delhi, 26 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a strong statement on Sunday in response to the shooting incident during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in Washington, D.C. Expressing his relief that U.S. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance remained safe and unharmed, the Prime Minister emphasized that violence has no place in a democratic society.

In his message, Prime Minister Modi unequivocally condemned the attack, describing such acts of violence as contrary to the principles of freedom and security essential to democracy. He extended his best wishes for the continued safety and well-being of the U.S. leadership, reflecting the close diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The incident, which took place on Saturday evening, triggered an immediate security evacuation of the President and other high-ranking officials from the Washington Hilton hotel. Law enforcement authorities, led by the FBI’s Washington field office, have since taken the suspect, 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, into custody. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Allen faces preliminary federal charges, including the use of a firearm and the assault of a law enforcement officer with a dangerous weapon.

Authorities reported that the suspect was found in possession of multiple weapons, underscoring the severity of the security breach at the high-profile gathering. While the situation remains fluid, officials confirmed that the suspect is scheduled for arraignment in federal district court on Monday.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar