By: Jordan Baker

New York politicians—including Staten Island figures—responded after gunfire erupted outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, focusing their reactions on relief, law enforcement response, and condemnation of political violence, as amNewYork reported.

Among those weighing in was Staten Island GOP figure Frank Morano, who expressed gratitude that President Donald Trump was not harmed in the incident. As amNewYork reported, Morano said he was thankful the situation did not turn more deadly and emphasized relief that law enforcement was able to quickly bring the chaos under control.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, whose district includes Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, also reacted to the incident. According to amNewYork, she said she was grateful the president and others attending the dinner were safe, while praising the actions of the Secret Service and law enforcement officers who responded to the threat.

Former Rep. Vito Fossella, the Staten Island borough president, issued a similar response. As amNewYork reported, Fossella stressed that political violence has no place in the country and underscored the importance of maintaining order and safety at high-profile national events.

The reactions from Staten Island leaders were part of a broader response across the New York region following the shooting, which occurred outside the Washington Hilton during the high-profile dinner attended by journalists, lawmakers, and top officials.

While the incident itself prompted an immediate evacuation of President Trump and other attendees, local officials kept their focus on the aftermath—specifically the need to condemn violence and support law enforcement efforts.

As amNewYork reported, the consistent message from New York-area politicians was one of relief that the situation did not escalate further. Officials repeatedly highlighted the quick response from federal agents, which prevented the suspect from reaching the main ballroom where hundreds of guests were gathered.

The statements also reflected concern about the broader climate surrounding political events. Lawmakers and local leaders pointed to the dangers posed by escalating tensions, warning that incidents like this highlight ongoing risks tied to major public gatherings involving political figures.

Still, the tone from Staten Island politicians remained measured and direct. Rather than engaging in broader political arguments, figures like Morano and Fossella kept their comments centered on public safety and the importance of preventing violence.

Malliotakis, meanwhile, used her statement to reinforce support for law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting national leaders and large-scale events. As amNewYork reported, she emphasized that those agencies deserve recognition for their rapid and effective response under pressure.

Across all statements, there was little daylight between officials on the core issue: the shooting was unacceptable, and the priority remains ensuring safety at future events.

As amNewYork reported, the reaction from New York politicians—particularly those representing Staten Island—highlighted a unified stance in the immediate aftermath: gratitude that lives were spared, praise for the response, and a clear rejection of political violence.