Erdogan calls White House dinner shooting ‘heinous act’ in call with Trump

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone on Sunday, according to a statement from Türkiye’s Communications Directorate posted on the US-based social media platform X. During the conversation, Erdoğan expressed concern over the shooting incident that occurred at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington.

Condemnation of attack

Erdoğan described the shooting as a “heinous act against democracy and freedom of the press.” He also extended his wishes for a speedy recovery to the security officer who was injured in the incident. The Turkish president’s remarks underscored Ankara’s condemnation of violence targeting press freedom and democratic institutions.

Solidarity with the US

The phone call reflected solidarity between the two NATO allies following the attack. No further details about the conversation or the identity of the injured officer were immediately disclosed. The White House has not yet released an official statement regarding the call or the ongoing investigation into the shooting.