New York lawmakers are speaking out after a man rushed a security checkpoint and opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 25.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the shooting, saying “political violence is unacceptable.”
Watch Zohran Mamdani weigh in on political violence
The man accused of firing outside the Washington dinner attended by President Donald Trump was charged Monday, April 27, with attempting to assassinate a U.S. president. The charge could carry a life sentence if the suspect is convicted, prosecutors said.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, made his first court appearance two days after authorities say he fired shots outside the ballroom hosting the annual black‑tie gathering of journalists and politicians.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh ordered Allen held in custody until at least Thursday, April 30, when he is scheduled to return to court for a detention hearing.
More NY lawmakers weigh in on DC shooting
Rep. Mike Lawler
Lawler, who attended with his wife, called the incident “unnerving” and praised the swift response.
“The fact that the gunman was able to get that close highlights the challenges law enforcement faces every day,” he said. “We must find a way to resolve our differences without violence.”
Sen. Chuck Schumer
“I’m grateful for the quick response of law enforcement and am praying everyone remains safe,” Schumer wrote on X.
Read what more New York officials had to say here.
USA TODAY trending news reporter Fernando Cervantes Jr. and USA TODAY Network New York Connect reporter Alexandra Rivera contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Watch NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemn violence after WHCD shooting
Reporting by Maria Birnell, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
