Donald Trump said he was “not worried” during an armed attack on an event he was attending, which sparked security concerns over the King’s state visit.
The US president told CBS News that “we live in a crazy world” as he was asked about the chaotic scenes when a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night. He also described the suspected assailant as a “pretty sick guy”.
Mr Trump, his wife and other senior members of the administration were bundled to safety by Secret Service agents as guests took cover under tables in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton after shots were fired nearby. One officer was hit but was wearing a bulletproof vest and is expected to make a full recovery.
The authorities believe the attack on the black-tie event was directed at Mr Trump and other senior government figures. The man accused of opening fire, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, is said to have sent messages to family members minutes before the shooting in which he described himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and voiced grievances about the actions of the US administration. He is due to appear in court on Monday, where he faces a series of charges, including attempting to kill a federal officer.
Despite the shooting, a planned royal visit by Charles and Camilla to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence is going ahead following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic. British ambassador to the US Sir Christian Turner said: “We are very confident that all appropriate security measures are in place.”
Asked during an interview how concerned he had been during the attack, Mr Trump said: “I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world.” Mr Trump said the suspected gunman had been “radicalised”. He added: “His family was very concerned. He was probably a pretty sick guy.”
The suspect is also said to have mocked the “insane” lack of security at the hotel where the dinner was held and where he was staying as a guest. In response, Mr Trump said: “Well, he was pretty incompetent too, because he got caught. And he got caught pretty easily.” The president has requested that the dinner be rescheduled within 30 days.
The incident has led to renewed concern over the rise in political violence in the US in recent years. Mr Trump survived an assassination attempt while speaking at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024.
