Arizona politicians, attendees react to shooting at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

WASHINGTON (AZFamily) — After a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington on Saturday night, reaction poured in from Arizona politicians about what happened.

Rep. Abe Hamadeh, a Republican who was at the dinner, said he and other members of Congress were evacuated from the Washington Hilton following the gunshots.

Hamadeh said the shots rang out not far from where he was sitting.

“They were gunshots. I’m a former military. I’m an Army officer. they were gunshots. As soon as those gunshots rang out you, heard glasses shattering everywhere, people spilled their drinks bolting down to hide underneath the tables,” Hamadeh said.

Hamadeh said he tried to duck under a table but couldn’t fit. He said that’s when his security team called him and he was quickly escorted him out of the room.

“It’s scary we have to live like this. Nobody should have to live like this,” he said.

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a Republican from Indiana, also spoke about the incident in Hamadeh’s video posted on social media.

“It was very scary,” he said. “All of a sudden, 50 to 75 feet over my left shoulder, gunshots go off, and we all jump underneath the table. Stuff was falling over. The drinks were spilling over.”

Officials rushed to safety

Mark Lodato, Dean of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and former Associate Dean at the Walter Cronkite School of Mass Communication, was sitting feet away from the stage.

He spoke exclusively with Arizona’s Family.

“Everyone immediately jumped below, and got under tables and hid, trying to wait to figure out what was going on,” Lodato said.

He said he watched as Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was quickly whisked out of the room.

A video he captured shows officials moving chairs to rush Secretary of State Marco Rubio to safety.

Bipartisan reaction

Arizona GOP Rep. Andy Biggs, who is running for governor, said in a social media post that he and his wife are relieved no one was hurt and are praying that the violence stops.

“It is deeply concerning and frustrating to have another near instance of tragic and senseless violence at an event featuring President Trump,” Biggs said.

Republican Rep. Paul Gosar also posted on X and praised the response from first responders.

“I’m deeply thankful for the swift response from law enforcement, relieved that the President and First Lady are safe, and am keeping our nation in my prayers,” he posted.

On the Democratic side, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes echoed the quick actions of first responders.

“I am glad that everyone at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe and for law enforcement’s fast response. Violence has no place in our political discourse,” Fontes posted on social media.

Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, posted on social media that he is “I’m thankful that the President and others at the correspondents dinner are safe, and for the quick response from law enforcement.”

Democratic Rep. Greg Stanton offered his thoughts and prayers on social media. “I’m grateful for the swift response from Secret Service after a dangerous and harrowing incident at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Praying for the safety of all in attendance,” he posted.

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs called the incident “horrifying” on social media and said, “Violence has no place in our politics. I hope President Trump and all others in attendance are safe.”

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