Vijay Wadettiwar’s comments linking US shooting to public anger draw sharp BJP criticism over “justifying violence”
A political controversy has erupted after Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar commented on the recent shooting incident at an event attended by US President Donald Trump, with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing him of attempting to justify political violence.
Reacting to the incident near the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, Wadettiwar linked the attack to what he described as public anger against those in power. He said such reactions were “bound to happen” when leaders acted against public interest and claimed that a similar mood existed in India despite the absence of visible protests.
Speaking on Sunday, Wadettiwar said, “While he (Trump) was in power, he tried to disrupt every country in order to control the world. He tried to control every country and he said that the whole world is our slave. And he destroyed the US also. He had nothing to do with Iran, yet he attacked. That was bound to happen. Today, Trump has destroyed the whole of America in order to fulfill his plans, in order to fulfill his wishes… Just like it is happening in India. It was bound to happen. The people took to the streets and opposed him.”
He further added, “People of America were angry at Trump so he was fired upon. There are no protests here, so the Indian government thinks everything is alright but the mood here is similar.”
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra | Speaking on the attack on US President Trump, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar yesterday said, “Jaisi karni waisi bharni. The way he has disturbed each country in the world despite being in the top post…Today, Trump has ruined the US to fulfil his… pic.twitter.com/4dUKuv408s
— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2026
The BJP strongly criticised the remarks, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accusing the Congress of endorsing and justifying political violence by drawing parallels between the United States and India.
Meanwhile, details of the incident revealed a major security response. The president, first lady, and vice president were swiftly moved to safety by the United States Secret Service, along with other cabinet members.
The accused shooter, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, arrived at the venue — the Washington Hilton — carrying two handguns and a shotgun. Authorities said he had pre-planned the attack.
Allen, a resident of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after being stopped at a security checkpoint before he could reach the main ballroom, where around 2,500 guests had gathered for the event.
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