Lisbon, April 26, 2026 (Lusa) - The president of Portugal, António José Seguro, expressed his solidarity with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, condemning any attacks against democratic institutions or the freedom of the press.

"Violence has no place in a democracy.”

“Any attack on democratic institutions or press freedom deserves strong condemnation,” said António José Seguro in a statement published on the Presidency’s official website.

The president's remarks followed a shooting incident in Washington, which forced Donald Trump to be evacuated from the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner on Saturday night.

In the statement published on Sunday, called "The president of Portugal condemns the attack on the US and expresses solidarity with his US counterpart", António José Seguro expressed his solidarity with Donald Trump and the other attendees at the dinner.

Portugal's Prime Minister also reacted to the incident in a message posted on the social media.

He said he strongly condemned Saturday night's attempted attack on the US President, Donald Trump.

“Democracy and those who defend it cannot tolerate or compromise with political violence,” said Luís Montenegro.

Donald Trump, his wife, Melania Trump, and the US Vice-President, JD Vance, were evacuated from the hotel ballroom where the White House Correspondents’ Association’s annual dinner was being held, after gunshots were heard.

The suspect has been arrested and is due to appear before a judge on Monday.

Two hours later, Trump said that the man was in possession of several weapons when he was detained by security services, describing him as “a person with serious problems” and “a lone wolf”.

Trump said the incident was not linked to the war that the US and Israel have been waging against Iran since 28 February.

“This will not stop me from winning the war in Iran”, he said at a press conference at the White House.

IEL/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa