US President Donald Trump has explained why he will not wear a bulletproof vest, and his reason left reporters cackling with laughter. The President's security has once again been thrust into the spotlight following another assassination attempt last Saturday at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Attempt on Trump's Life
Cole Tomas Allen is accused of arming himself with guns and knives and attempting to reach Trump at the event before being subdued by law enforcement. Chaotic scenes ensued at the dinner, where Trump and other VIP guests were whisked away. That same night, at a hastily convened press conference, Trump quipped that being president is a “dangerous profession”.
In a statement on Sunday, the White House said Trump "stands fearless" after surviving the ordeal. Now, he has joked about looking overweight if he were to wear a bulletproof vest. He told reporters in the Oval Office: “I don’t know if I could handle looking 20 pounds heavier,” when asked if he would wear one as a safety measure. Amid laughter, he added: “Some of these guys are physical specimens.”
Suspect in Custody
Shooting suspect Allen has appeared in court and was ordered to remain jailed pending additional court hearings. He could face life in prison if convicted. An FBI affidavit revealed details about the planning behind the assault, with authorities alleging that on April 6, Allen reserved a room for himself at the Washington hotel where the event would be held weeks later, under its typical tight security. He travelled by train cross-country from California last week, checking himself into the Washington Hilton one day before the dinner with a room reserved for the weekend.
“Violence has no place in civic life,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said at a news conference. “It cannot and will not be used to disrupt democratic institutions or intimidate those who serve them, and it certainly cannot continue to be used against the president of the United States.” He added: “We are investigating this matter fully, we will apply the law fairly and we will ensure that accountability is swift and certain.”
Security Questions Remain
Questions have been raised about Trump's security on the night and how the suspect got as far as he did, even if he did not enter the room where the event was being held. Allen was injured during the attack but was not shot. A Secret Service officer was shot but was wearing a bullet-resistant vest and survived, officials say. It is unclear how many shots Allen fired and how many officers discharged their weapons. Blanche said investigators believe that a secret service agent fired five shots and that Allen discharged his shotgun at least once. But Blanche didn’t say whether authorities have confirmed it was Allen’s bullet that struck the agent in the vest, or whether any other officers used their weapons. Blanche said ballistics experts are still examining evidence to provide more clarity on those questions.
