Melania Trump Witnesses Panic at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

Melania Trump’s terrified expression; hundreds of evening-gowned guests diving under tables before heavily armed security teams burst into the ballroom: the panic that followed Saturday night’s shooting in the Washington hotel lobby where the annual White House correspondents’ gala was being held in the presence of the US President, clearly shows the severity of the attack. Both real and symbolic.

Even though the attacker has not yet provided any information about the motives behind his actions, there is no doubt that Donald Trump, who has been the target of several attacks in the past, was the intended target. And through him, a certain idea of democracy, which is not shining brightly across the Atlantic. Particularly since the beginning of the billionaire’s second term.

For over a year, observers have been describing the fractures in American society, which are becoming increasingly polarized. The US President has even mentioned, after the criminal’s arrest, that he was preparing to deliver a forceful speech in front of the journalists whom he had previously ignored. At the same time, he praised their behavior during the events of the evening.

These words of reassurance are too rare not to be emphasized, with a certain sense of relief. As well as the expressions of support for the American President and his wife, coming from leaders around the world who have turbulent relationships with him, do not seem to be merely polite. Can this be seen as a beginning of collective awareness? We want to believe so. Democracy is not harmed without leaving the impression, especially on the most fragile minds, that violence has a place in it.