President Donald Trump said the suspect who disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday was carrying several weapons but was subdued and in custody.
“A man attacked a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and was shot down by some very brave members of the Secret Service,” Trump said at a White House press conference on Saturday.
Trump said the incident was “probably a lone gunman” and indicated that police were searching the suspect’s residence in California.
Trump praised the efforts of law enforcement and said one officer was shot but protected by a bulletproof vest. The officer is “doing great,” Trump said.
The Secret Service apprehended the suspect at the Washington Hilton, where the event took place. Trump and other senior US officials were evacuated from the event in Washington, DC, immediately after shots were fired just outside the ballroom. Trump earlier said Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump and members of his cabinet were safe.
“As you know, this is not the first time in the last few years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin who wanted to kill,” Trump said. “In light of tonight’s events, I have asked all Americans to recommit their hearts to peacefully resolve our differences.”
The dinner was canceled and guests were asked to leave the venue. Trump said the event would be rescheduled within the next 30 days.
Witnesses reported seeing an individual running past security, down the stairs and toward the ballroom hosting the event. Security officials fired several shots at the individual, witnesses said.
The dinner is a fundraiser with a portion of the proceeds going toward scholarships for journalism students. Attendees number in the thousands and attract dozens of journalists, politicians, business leaders and celebrities.
This article was generated from an automated news agency source without text modification.
