US President Donald Trump has renewed calls for a high-security ballroom at the White House complex, saying the recent shooting underscores the urgent need for such a facility.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the events of the night before showed why US presidents over the past 150 years have pushed for a safe ballroom on site.
He claimed the proposed “military top secret” ballroom – currently under construction – would have prevented the incident, citing its advanced security features and controlled access.
“It can’t be built fast enough,” Trump said, stressing that the facility would be located on the White House grounds and designed to eliminate the risks posed by unsecured access points.
Design and features highlighted
Trump described the ballroom as follows:
– Equipped with “highest level” security systems.
-Located entirely within the secure perimeters of the White House
-Designed without overhead or adjacent unsecured spaces
-Built for safe hosting of large events in the area
He compared it to existing sites and suggested that they leave room for security vulnerabilities.
Legal challenge rejected
Trump also criticized the ongoing legal challenge to the project, calling it “ridiculous” and claiming the plaintiff lacks standing.
Calling for the lawsuit to be withdrawn immediately, he warned that any delay could derail the project, saying:
-“Basically ahead of schedule”
Shooter Targets White House Correspondents’ Dinner; Trump was evacuated after a security breach
Trump and senior administration officials were the likely targets of an armed suspect who opened fire during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, sparking panic and a major security response, officials said Sunday.
Attack on important events
According to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who spoke to NBC News, the suspect fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent stationed at a checkpoint at the Washington Hilton, where the gala was being held.
The agent survived after the bullet was stopped by a bulletproof vest and is said to be in “good condition,” Trump said.
Authorities believe the attacker intended to target members of the administration, “probably including the president,” Blanche said.
Suspect overpowered, federal charges pending
The suspect — identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of California — was apprehended and arrested after breaching two security checkpoints. He was allegedly armed with:
Allen is expected to face federal charges, including:
-Assault on a federal officer
– Attempted assassination of a federal officer
Officials said he may have traveled cross-country by train before arriving in Washington. His motive remains unclear, and authorities said it was too early to determine any foreign ties.
Chaos inside the ballroom
The incident took place at around 8.35pm and sent shockwaves through the packed ballroom where nearly 2,600 guests – including cabinet members and senior officials – were in attendance.
Video footage showed panic erupting after shots were fired:
– The guests screamed and hid under the tables
-Security personnel drew weapons and protected officials
-Armed agents burst into the room and secured the stage
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump and Vice President JD Vance were quickly evacuated as security set up a cordon.
Despite the chaos, some attendees could be heard chanting “USA, USA!” how the situation developed.
Security fails under scrutiny
Investigators are now focusing on how the suspect managed to smuggle a shotgun into the heavily guarded venue of one of Washington’s most prominent events.
Interim Washington Police Chief Jeffery Carroll said the suspect was believed to be a hotel guest, raising further questions about vetting procedures.
Trump claims he is the target
Trump later told reporters that he believed he was the intended target, marking the third assassination attempt against him since 2024.
After the evacuation, he remained backstage for about an hour and later said he was reluctant to leave the event.
The latest incident follows:
– 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania rally shooting where Trump was injured
-A failed attempt at his golf club in West Palm Beach
Lone wolf angle
Officials currently believe the suspect acted alone, with Trump describing him as a “lone wolf.” The investigation is still ongoing as authorities piece together the sequence of events and potential motivation.
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