LDF Denounces Escalating Violence In Wake of White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting

Read a full PDF of our statement here.

Yesterday evening, a shooting disrupted the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. Reports indicate that shots were fired at the venue, one law enforcement officer was injured, and a suspect is in custody. At this time, authorities have not announced a confirmed motive.

LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement:

"We are deeply disturbed by the shooting that took place at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last night. We condemn this act of horrifying violence. While a motive is not yet clear and we must stay on course to allow this investigation to proceed based on facts, what is already clear is that violence has no place in our civic life.

"Hate and violence have grown in a climate of deepening polarization, divisive rhetoric, and increasing dehumanization and disrespect for those with differing views. We cannot normalize this dangerous rhetoric or the violence that too often follows. Whether directed at public officials, journalists, law enforcement, or the public, such acts threaten the core values of our democracy.

"The White House Correspondents' Dinner has long symbolized the vital role of a free press and open dialogue in a democratic society. Violence in this setting is a stark reminder that protecting democratic institutions requires a shared commitment to resolving our differences through civil discourse and the rule of law.

"In this 250th year of our nation, we must recommit ourselves to the tools of our multiracial democracy: free speech and public debate, organizing, voting, peaceful protest, and meaningful advocacy."

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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights legal organization. LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957, though it was founded under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall while he was at the NAACP. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute (TMI) is a division of LDF that undertakes innovative research and houses LDF's archive. In all media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF (do not include NAACP) and refer to the Institute as LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute or TMI.