The United States bishops said violence is never the answer after a shooter breached the hotel hosting the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, DC and injured a Secret Service agent on Saturday. Source: EWTN News.
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement, “We are grateful the lives of the President, those who protect him, and everyone in attendance last night were spared from serious harm.
“Let us all pray for our elected leaders and public officials that they may receive God’s blessings. Because human life is a precious gift, there is no room for violence of any kind in our society.”
Attendees heard gunshots shortly after the dinner began at the Washington Hilton hotel. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and several cabinet members were evacuated by federal agents.
Mr Trump said in a press conference at the White House following the shooting that a lone suspect was taken into police custody, and one federal agent was hospitalised after being hit in his bulletproof vest.
Bishop David Bonnar of Youngstown, Ohio, said the issue of gun violence requires attention.
Bishop Bonnar said in a statement, “The United States is built on freedom and respect for all. There is no room for violence that endangers the life of any human being.
“Moreover, the issue of gun violence must be addressed. Violence is never the answer. We all must look deeper into the human heart to build each other up rather than tear each other down.
“We pray for peace in moments of disagreement and discord. As we celebrate our 250th birthday may we live as a nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”
Since 2025, the United States has seen a marked escalation in political violence, including assassination attempts and lethal attacks linked to ideological extremism, threats against elected officials, and armed incidents surrounding political events.
High‑profile political actor Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, was assassinated in Utah in September 2025.
In Minnesota, Melissa Hortman, the top Democratic leader of the state House of Representatives, was assassinated in her home in June 2025, and her husband was killed in the same attack.
Ms Hortman, who had served as Minnesota House speaker, was a Catholic catechist.
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U.S. bishops say violence ‘never the answer’ after shooting at White House press dinner (EWTN News)
