S. Korean President Lee Jae Myung Condemns Political Violence After White House Correspondents' Dinner Shooting
Lee calls shooting a 'grave threat to democracy' that can never be justified, offers sympathies to American people
Quick Look
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday condemned political violence as a grave threat to democracy following a shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner in Washington.
- Lee said such violence undermines democracy and can never be justified, expressing deep shock while relieved that President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and other attendees were safe.
- He offered sympathies to the American people and stated the South Korean government firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that erode democratic values and the rule of law.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
This is a diplomatic response from South Korea's president following a security incident at a major American political event. The White House correspondents' dinner is an annual event celebrating press freedom and the relationship between the White House and journalists.
SEOUL, April 26 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called political violence a "grave threat" to democracy that cannot be justified under any circumstances, following a shooting at the White House correspondents' dinner. Lee made the remarks after U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday an alleged shooter from California had been apprehended after gunfire erupted at the annual event in Washington. "Political violence is a grave threat that undermines the very foundation of democracy and can never be justified under any circumstances," Lee wrote in a message on X, formerly Twitter, posted in both Korean and English. "It is especially regrettable that such an incident occurred at an event meant to reaffirm the role of the press and freedom of speech," Lee said, adding he is "deeply shocked" by the violent incident. Lee said he was relieved to hear that Trump, first lady Melania Trump and other attendees were safe, and offered his sympathies to the American people. "The Government of the Republic of Korea firmly opposes all forms of violence and extremism that erode the values of democracy and the rule of law," he said. Trump was sitting on the stage in front of a hotel ballroom during the event hosted by the White House Correspondents' Association. Following gunshots, Trump was forced to duck and escorted out of the place by Secret Service personnel. Trump said in a social media post that he, the first lady, Vice President JD Vance and all other cabinet members were "in perfect condition."
Open Questions
- What was the motive of the alleged shooter
- Were there any injuries besides the shooter being apprehended
- What security changes might be implemented at future events
