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.”
This undated file photo shows President Lee Jae Myung. (Yonhap)
mlee@yna.co.kr
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