Indian American Lawmakers Condemn WHCA Dinner Shooting, Praise Swift Law Enforcement Response

Indian American lawmakers have strongly condemned the shooting at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC, during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on April 25, 2026, while commending the swift response of law enforcement and emphasizing that “political violence” is never justified.

President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, cabinet officials, lawmakers, celebrities, and journalists were in attendance when the incident occurred.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises, consistent with protocol, which we will do, immediately,” the President said in a social media post, adding that the First Lady, Vice President, and all Cabinet members were in “perfect condition.”

He also noted that he had spoken with officials overseeing the event and that it would be rescheduled within 30 days.

In his statement on April 26, Trump, who attended the dinner for the first time as President, said, “It comes with the territory, and if you want to do a great job… take a look at what’s happened to some of our greatest presidents. It doesn’t happen to people that don’t do anything… It’s not going to deter me.”

Following the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “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.” He added, “Violence has no place in a democracy and must be unequivocally condemned,” and extended his best wishes for their continued safety and well-being.

Representative Suhas Subramanyam, who was present at the event, recounted his experience, saying, “I was walking down the escalators from the lobby when, at the bottom of the escalators, 2 security people with guns were running through and yelling ‘watch out for crossfire.’”

“I got behind a pillar with another person then left out a back exit while hearing more commotion and police,” he added, while thanking the Secret Service, Capitol Police, DC Metropolitan Police, and other law enforcement agencies for their rapid response.

Representative Ro Khanna said, “I am grateful to law enforcement for protecting everyone at the White House Correspondents Dinner,” adding that his thoughts were with the Secret Service agent who was injured. “Political violence is completely unacceptable. There is no place for it in our country,” he said.

Representative Ami Bera echoed similar sentiments, praising law enforcement for their “swift actions” and expressing relief that those in attendance were safe. “Tonight was about celebrating the First Amendment and our free press,” he said. “We can never allow violence or intimidation to infringe upon that fundamental freedom.”

Representative Pramila Jayapal said she was “very grateful” to law enforcement for quickly securing the venue and protecting lives. “Violence is never the answer,” she added.

Representative Shri Thanedar also expressed appreciation for the Secret Service and other security personnel who acted “swiftly,” adding, “I am keeping all those in attendance in my thoughts: political violence is never acceptable.”

FBI Director Kash Patel, emphasized after the incident that “We saw the best of American leadership, adding “I am proud to work for President Trump who so strongly backs law enforcement across this country – and proud to lead this agency that works 24/7 to keep Americans safe.”

Describing them as “brave,” he thanked the law enforcement and interagency partners for acting quickly and protecting their fellow Americans.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on April 26 that what was intended to be a “fun night” celebrating free speech was “hijacked” by a “depraved crazy person” who sought to “assassinate” the President and harm senior administration officials.

“I was with President Trump and the First Lady backstage after we were quickly ushered to safety by Secret Service. President Trump was truly fearless, but as he said last night, this political violence needs to end,” she said, thanking law enforcement and acknowledging the agent who was injured while responding to the threat.

In the aftermath of the incident, the President called for enhanced security measures, including the construction of a secure ballroom within the White House complex.

“What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, Law Enforcement and, for different reasons, every President for the last 150 years, have been DEMANDING that a large, safe, and secure Ballroom be built ON THE GROUNDS OF THE WHITE HOUSE,” he said in a separate statement.

He added that such an incident could have been prevented if the facility, currently under construction, had already been completed, emphasizing that it would include the highest level of security features within the White House grounds.

Trump also criticized a legal challenge to the project, describing it as “ridiculous,” and urged that it be dismissed to avoid delays in construction.