US President Donald Trump commended the Secret Service for their quick action in subduing a gunman who approached a security checkpoint near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Trump, evacuated from the scene, expressed surprise at the incident, initially mistaking the noise for something routine. The suspect, armed with multiple weapons, was swiftly taken down by Secret Service agents, with one agent sustaining a gunshot but being protected by a ballistic vest.
Trump highlighted that the suspect, who charged from a distance but was stopped before reaching the ballroom, did not breach the main event space. The gunman, reportedly from California, was tackled near a security checkpoint and did not enter the hotel ballroom where Trump and other officials were present. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche mentioned that charges related to the shooting and firearm possession were imminent, with ongoing investigations and evidence collection.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated that investigations were underway, analyzing ballistics and conducting interviews. Trump, impressed by the Secret Service’s response, emphasized the need for unity in the face of such incidents. The president, along with other attendees, was quickly escorted out of the venue after shots were heard, with security protocols requiring evacuation. The event, disrupted by the incident, is planned to be rescheduled within 30 days.
