New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued a brief statement on April 25, 2026, condemning political violence and expressing relief that President Donald Trump and others were unharmed following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington.
In a post shared on X, Mamdani wrote, “Political violence is absolutely unacceptable. I am glad the President and guests at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe.” The message came shortly after reports confirmed that a gunman had opened fire on security personnel at the event, prompting a rapid response from federal agents.
According to Reuters, the incident unfolded during the annual dinner, a high-profile gathering attended by political leaders, journalists, and public figures. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were escorted out of the venue by Secret Service agents after a man armed with a shotgun fired at security personnel near a checkpoint. An FBI official said the suspect targeted a Secret Service agent, who was protected by a bulletproof vest and remained in “good shape,” according to the president.
Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody at the scene. Trump later described the individual as a “sick person” and said the attacker had charged toward a security area from a distance before being subdued by what he called “very brave members of the Secret Service.” Federal officials indicated they believe the suspect acted alone.
The shooting caused panic among attendees, with witnesses reporting that people ducked for cover as security personnel moved quickly to secure the room. Senior administration officials, including cabinet members, were pushed to the ground and evacuated as armed agents entered the ballroom and escorted guests to safety. The event, held at the Washington Hilton, was ultimately canceled following the incident.
Mamdani’s response reflects a broader condemnation of political violence at a moment of heightened concern over security surrounding public officials. Trump had previously been the target of two assassination attempts in 2024, including a shooting at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was wounded in the ear, and a separate incident at his golf club in Florida involving an armed suspect.
Mamdani, who became New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor after his 2025 election victory, has previously spoken about issues of public safety and political rhetoric. His statement on Saturday focused squarely on the immediate events in Washington, emphasizing the importance of safety and the rejection of violence in the political sphere.