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Saturday, April 25, 2026

'Quite An Evening': Trump Reacts After Firing At White House Press Dinner, Says Shooter Arrested

US President Donald Trump reacted to the firing incident at the White House correspondents' dinner, which prompted Secret Service agents to evacuate him and First Lady Melania off the stage.  In a post to Truth Social about 30 minutes following the security incident, Trump said that a “shooter has been apprehended” and lauded the Secret Service and law enforcement for their response. “Quite an evening in DC. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely...I have recommended that we ‘let the show go on’, but will entirely be guided by law enforcement. They will make a decision shortly," Trump said. "Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we'll just, plain, have to do it again," he added.  Shortly afterwards, Trump, in another post, wrote, "The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition." He said he &zwnj;would ⁠be holding a White House press conference on Saturday night. An official from the Federal Bureau of Investigation told Reuters that a man carrying a shotgun fired at a Secret Service agent. The agent was struck in a protected area and was not injured. All US officials, including Trump and Vice President Vance, were safe and evacuated unhurt. The banquet hall, packed with journalists, public figures and government leaders awaiting the President’s speech, was cleared after a sudden loud disturbance triggered panic. National Guard personnel moved in to secure the premises, allowing people to exit but preventing re-entry, while security was tightened outside. Organisers later asked guests to return to their seats as preparations were made to resume the event, with an announcement expected shortly. Many attendees remained inside the ballroom during this time. The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers were on the scene and working alongside federal agencies, adding that more information would be shared once verified, AP reported. The Washington Hilton, which has long hosted the event, typically remains open to regular guests during the dinner. Security is usually concentrated around the ballroom rather than the entire hotel, a setup that has occasionally allowed disruptions in public areas in previous years, including protests and demonstrations.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/quite-an-evening-trump-reacts-after-firing-at-white-house-press-dinner-says-shooter-arrested-1838744

Trump, Melania Evacuated After Shots Fired At White House Correspondents' Dinner

US President Donald Trump and other senior leaders were evacuated by the Secret Service agents from an annual dinner of White House correspondents on Saturday night after an unspecified security incident. There were no immediate injuries. It was not immediately clear what happened, but a law enforcement official indicated that a shooter had opened fire, news agecy Associated Press reported. Panic broke out inside the Washington Hilton banquet hall as Secret Service personnel and other authorities rushed in, with many of the 2,600 attendees taking cover under tables amid shouts to get down. Shouts of "Out of the way, sir!" and calls to duck were heard, AP reported. Several people present said they heard what sounded like five to eight gunshots. The venue, packed with prominent journalists, celebrities and senior government officials awaiting Trump’s address, was swiftly cleared. National Guard personnel were deployed inside, while those exiting were barred from re-entry. Security in the surrounding area was also tightened following the security incident. Among those attending the event were Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, AP reported. A White House aide said Donald Trump was safe and no injuries were reported, Reuters reported. 

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-president-trump-evacuated-security-incident-at-white-house-correspondents-annual-dinner-1838740

Friday, April 24, 2026

Islamabad In Focus: Kushner, Witkoff Set For Iran Talks As Tensions Simmer

The White House has indicated that preparations for a second round of talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad are nearly complete. According to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are expected to depart for Pakistan on Saturday to take part in potential peace talks. The White House added that Vice President J. D. Vance may attend if required, although his participation remains uncertain. Iran has also expressed interest in direct dialogue with the United States, strengthening the prospects for talks. <h2 data-section-id="k25jej" data-start="1490" data-end="1523">Araghchi’s Visit Adds Momentum</h2> Abbas Araghchi is set to arrive in Islamabad with a small delegation. His visit follows recent discussions with Ishaq Dar, where ceasefire-related issues and diplomatic efforts were reviewed. Reports suggest US logistics and security teams are already present in Islamabad, although there has been no official confirmation. According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, Islamabad is attempting to bring both countries to the negotiating table after the first round of talks failed to yield results. <h2>Calls In Iran To Cancel Visit</h2> Iran’s Fars News Agency on Friday urged Araghchi to cancel his planned visit to Islamabad. The agency argued that if his trip coincided with the arrival of the US delegation, it would signal Iran’s willingness to continue negotiations, which it described as “costly” and “useless.” The report added that concerns are growing domestically over the Foreign Minister’s approach, noting that earlier rounds of talks with the US had not produced positive outcomes and instead preceded the current conflict. <h2 data-section-id="ji1rm0" data-start="2643" data-end="2675">Military Build-Up In Parallel</h2> Alongside diplomatic developments, the United States has increased its military presence in the region. The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) has arrived in the Indian Ocean and joined deployments alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the Arabian Sea and the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) in the Red Sea. <h2 data-section-id="1l5qty2" data-start="3021" data-end="3055">Talks And Tensions Run Parallel</h2> The simultaneous push for dialogue and military reinforcement underscores the sensitivity of the situation. While efforts to resume negotiations are intensifying, the expanded deployment signals continued preparedness amid ongoing regional tensions.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/islamabad-in-focus-kushner-witkoff-set-for-iran-talks-as-tensions-simmer-1838541

High-Stakes Diplomacy: Iran FM Araghchi Heads to Pakistan Amid Fresh US Talk Buzz

Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad late tonight with a small delegation. Reports suggest Pakistan is exploring the possibility of facilitating a second round of talks between the United States and Iran. However, neither side has issued an official statement on Araghchi’s visit. <h2 data-section-id="y0m11" data-start="1075" data-end="1105">Trump Envoys May Join Talks</h2> According to a CNA report, Donald Trump plans to send his special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, to Pakistan in the coming days to participate in discussions with Araghchi as part of a potential second round of talks. <h2 data-section-id="1xvvx3s" data-start="1409" data-end="1462">Previous Talks Yielded No Breakthrough</h2> The first round of US-Iran talks, held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12, did not produce any concrete outcome. Since then, Pakistan has stepped up diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and sustain dialogue. <h2 data-section-id="1m1c8wm" data-start="1668" data-end="1708">Diplomatic Engagements Ahead of Visit</h2> According to the Pakistani newspaper Dawn, the visit follows a phone call between Ishaq Dar and Araghchi, during which they discussed the US-Iran ceasefire and Pakistan’s mediation efforts. Reports indicate that US logistics and security teams are already present in Islamabad, suggesting preparations for possible negotiations. <h2 data-section-id="nmxw2p" data-start="2073" data-end="2095">Wider Regional Tour</h2> As per Iran’s state-run Islamic Republic News Agency, Araghchi’s visit is part of a broader regional tour that also includes Muscat and Moscow. The trip is aimed at discussions on bilateral ties, regional developments, and tensions involving the US and Israel. Araghchi also held discussions with Ishaq Dar and Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir. According to Mehr News Agency, these talks covered regional developments and ceasefire-related issues. <h2 data-section-id="1948h9d" data-start="2604" data-end="2637">Islamabad Under Tight Security</h2> Pakistan has intensified its diplomatic push to bring both sides to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Islamabad has witnessed major disruptions amid expectations of high-level visits. Traffic remained paralysed on Friday, with authorities imposing restrictions to facilitate potential talks. Over 10,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed as part of heightened security measures. <h2 data-section-id="1tqjs47" data-start="3037" data-end="3068">Roads And Services Disrupted</h2> Several major roads and markets have remained closed since Sunday to manage VIP movement. Areas around the Nur Khan Airbase have yet to reopen, while metro bus and electric bus services, along with freight transport, have been suspended since April 19. Residents in localities such as Shah Faisal Colony, Khalid Colony, Gulzar-e-Quaid, and Fazal Town have been largely confined to their homes due to restrictions. <h2 data-section-id="1vezdxs" data-start="3488" data-end="3511">Public Life Affected</h2> The metro bus service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad remains suspended, and electric buses on seven routes are not operational. Freight transport has also been halted, causing inconvenience to the public. The “red zone” continues to remain fully closed, with many office employees working from home amid ongoing security measures.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/high-stakes-diplomacy-iran-fm-araghchi-heads-to-pakistan-amid-fresh-us-talk-buzz-1838540

From Terror Accused To Seminary Chief: Inside Pakistan’s ‘Reward And Protect’ System

Even as Pakistan has denied any involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack over the past 48 hours, emerging evidence points to an alleged nexus between Pakistan-based terror groups and elements within the country’s establishment. <img src="https://ift.tt/0ojEU8W" width="720" /> Officials, including Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and the Foreign Office, have maintained that Pakistan has “nothing to do” with terror activities in India. <h2>Attack Links And Identifications</h2> According to the report, individuals identified as Habibullah alias Sajid Jatt (also known as Ali Sajid), designated as a terrorist under UAPA, is alleged to have directed the attack. Other individuals named include Bilal Afzal (alias Suleman), Habib Tahir, and Hamza Afghani. Pakistani identity documents linked to the attackers and the handler are cited as part of the evidence challenging Islamabad’s claims. <h2>Focus On Abdur Rahman Abid</h2> At the centre of the investigation is Abdur Rahman Abid, currently described as heading Lashkar-e-Taiba’s Jamia-ud-Dawa seminary in Muridke. Publicly presented as a religious cleric from Faisalabad, Abid is said to appear at gatherings and share content related to religious teachings and jihad. <h2>Alleged Role In 2012-13 Attack</h2> The report states that Abid was among those involved in a terror attack on the Indian Army between December 2012 and January 2013, in which soldiers were killed and one body was mutilated. A video accessed by the channel, reportedly recorded by the attackers, is said to show Abid at the scene. Sources claim the footage continues to be used in Lashkar’s “Daura-e-Fidayeen” training sessions to instruct recruits in ambush tactics. <h2>Rewards And Rise Within The Organisation</h2> Sources cited in the report allege that following the attack, Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, rewarded Abid with PKR 1 million. At the time, he was operating under the codename “Abu Sufiyan.” He was subsequently appointed head of Lashkar’s KFC terror camp in Muzaffarabad, receiving a monthly stipend of PKR 15,000. <h2>Promotions And Current Role</h2> In 2018, Abid was shifted to Lashkar’s Markaz Tayyaba facility in Muridke and given the title “Ustad-ul-Mujahideen Ghazi.” By 2021, he had been elevated to head Jamia-ud-Dawa, one of the group’s largest seminaries in Muridke, with sources claiming he now receives nearly PKR 500,000 per month. <h2>Claims On Terror Infrastructure Control</h2> In 2019, then Prime Minister <a title="Imran Khan" href="https://ift.tt/Dnb5TY7" data-type="interlinkingkeywords">Imran Khan</a> stated that facilities linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed had been taken over by the government as part of efforts to exit the FATF grey list. However, sources allege that operational control remained with the groups, with oversight continuing under successive intelligence leadership. <h2>Continuing Operations And Training</h2> The report states that Abid continues to operate freely in Pakistan and remains associated with training activities. The first phase of Lashkar’s indoctrination programme, known as “Daura-e-Suffa,” is said to be ongoing under his supervision in Muridke. <h2>Broader Implications</h2> These developments are presented as reinforcing concerns over Pakistan’s stance on terrorism. While Islamabad projects itself as a victim of terror, the report alleges that individuals linked to attacks against India continue to receive protection and advancement within the country’s militant ecosystem.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/from-terror-accused-to-seminary-chief-inside-pakistan-s-reward-and-protect-system-1838531

Thursday, April 23, 2026

India Slams Trump’s ‘Hellholes’ Remark For India As ‘Uninformed’ Amid Diplomatic Discomfort

India on Thursday sharply criticised a social media repost by US President Donald Trump that referred to India and several other countries as “hellholes”, calling the remarks “uninformed” and “inappropriate”. The controversy erupted after Trump shared comments made by American radio host Michael Savage, who used the term while discussing immigration and a legal challenge to birthright citizenship in the United States. <h2>Diplomatic Pushback and Clarification Efforts</h2> The Indian government reacted swiftly, with External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that the remarks did not reflect the reality of bilateral ties. He noted that New Delhi had also taken note of a subsequent clarification issued by the US embassy. “The remarks are obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste. They certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-US relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal said. Amid the backlash, the US embassy attempted to contain the fallout, reiterating Trump’s purported view of India as a key partner. A spokesperson said the president considers India “a great country” led by a “good friend of mine”, though no details were provided on when or where Trump made that statement. <h2>Comments Rooted in Immigration Debate</h2> Savage’s original remarks were made in the context of a case before the US Supreme Court concerning birthright citizenship. He argued that existing legal provisions allow immigrants to take advantage of the system by entering the country late in pregnancy. According to Savage, such a practice creates a pathway for a child born in the US to automatically gain citizenship, after which families could follow from countries like “China or India or some other hellhole on the planet”. The repost has since triggered diplomatic unease, raising questions about the tone of discourse surrounding immigration and its potential impact on international relations. 

source https://news.abplive.com/news/india/india-reaction-to-donald-trump-hellhole-remark-says-uninformed-in-poor-taste-mea-statement-1838342

RSS not Indian Ku Klux Klan: Hosabale

Washington, Apr 24 (PTI): RSS is not an Indian version of the Ku Klux Klan, the American white supremacist group, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said here, highlighting the organisation’s work across different spheres of society. Speaking at an interactive session at the New India Conference organised by the Hudson Institute, Hosabale said there were misconceptions about the RSS similar to misunderstandings about India in the US. “The narrative that has been built for decades, knowingly or unknowingly as part of an agenda or otherwise, is that RSS is a Hindu supremacist organisation or that it is anti-Christian, anti-minority, anti-development and anti-modernisation,” he said during a discussion with author Walter Russell Mead on Thursday. “So what is pro is not highlighted; instead, the ‘anti’ has always been propagated — some Indian version of the Ku Klux Klan, which we are not,” Hosabale said. He said Hindu philosophy and culture view the whole world as one family and do not endorse supremacy. “We see oneness in everything, living and non-living. When that is the basic philosophy of Hindus, the question of a supremacist nature does not arise. Also, in history, Hindus have never invaded any country,” Hosabale said. Hosabale said the RSS holds about 83,000 daily meetings, known as shakhas, to instil a sense of service and inculcate life values aimed at promoting social harmony. “People from every walk of life and all age groups have become volunteers of our organisation. RSS undertakes relief work during natural calamities and is also active in areas such as education, health, self-defence, rural development and environmental issues,” he said. He said cultural values and modernisation are not necessarily contradictory and can coexist, though some tensions may arise. “Both modernisation and cultural values require adaptation according to the times. While modernisation brings industrialisation, technology and individualistic trends, it can function alongside culture and cultural values,” Hosabale said. He added that the coexistence of culture and modernity has been visible in several societies in recent decades. “Whether it is Hindu society, Indian society, Japan or China, all have modernised while keeping their cultural and civilisational values intact and drawing inspiration from them. That is why I don’t think cultural values and modernisation pull in opposite directions,” he said. PTI SKU NB NB(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/rss-not-indian-ku-klux-klan-hosabale-1838340