Trump: Lone-wolf gunman apprehended, urges all Americans to resolve differences peacefully
U.S. President Donald Trump said his impression is that the suspect involved in the disturbance at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday in Washington, D.C., was a "lone wolf" act, and that the individual has now been detained, with law enforcement agencies investigating the incident. On Saturday evening, as Trump attended the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, gunshots were heard at the venue, prompting the president and his entourage to quickly depart under security escort.
Following the incident, Trump took to his social media platform "Truth Social," stating, "Washington, D.C., truly had an unusual night. The Secret Service and law enforcement performed superbly—swift and courageous. The gunman has been apprehended. I suggest 'let the show go on,' but everything will be fully guided by law enforcement. They will make decisions shortly. Regardless of their decision, tonight’s event will be vastly different from the original plan—we may have to do it all over again."
Later, Trump posted, "Law enforcement has requested we vacate the scene according to protocol, and we will comply immediately. In 30 minutes, I will hold a press briefing in the White House Press Briefing Room. The First Lady, the Vice President, and all members of the Cabinet are safe and unharmed. We will provide updates in half an hour. I’ve already communicated with all representatives responsible for this event, and we will reschedule the gathering within the next 30 days."
Additionally, during a White House press conference, Trump stated, "A man carrying multiple weapons charged toward a security checkpoint and was subdued by several exceptionally brave Secret Service agents." Trump added, "He has been taken into custody, and police are currently interrogating him." He noted that authorities are searching the suspect’s residence in California.
The suspect was arrested by the U.S. Secret Service at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where the event was taking place in the nation's capital. Witnesses reported seeing a man sprint past security personnel, descend the stairs, and head toward the banquet hall where the event was held. Witnesses also said security personnel opened fire on the man.
After the gunfire outside the banquet hall, Trump and other senior U.S. officials were immediately evacuated from the scene. Trump previously stated that Vice President Vance, First Lady Melania, and his cabinet members were all safe and unharmed. Trump also shared photos on his social media platform showing law enforcement officers arresting the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, in connection with the shooting.
Trump emphasized, "As you know, this is not the first time our republic has faced an attempted assassination in recent years," and added, "Given what happened tonight, I urge all Americans once again to sincerely commit to resolving our differences through peaceful means." The president concluded, "We must resolve our differences."
D.C. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that the suspect has been charged with two felony counts and will appear in court on Monday. Speaking at another press briefing on Saturday, Pirro said, "Based on the information we have gathered in this evolving situation, additional charges may be brought."
Pirro and Trump both stated there is no evidence of any further potential threats. When asked whether he believed the incident could be linked to Iran’s war, Trump responded that he did not think so.
Trump praised the efforts of law enforcement and confirmed that one officer was shot but survived due to wearing a bulletproof vest. Trump stated the officer was "unharmed."
Trump remarked, "No matter how many people you have or how excellent they are—they might be the best team you’ve ever had, the most powerful security force in history—but if you have a madman, someone who has a mind, albeit twisted or severely distorted, he can cause trouble."
Trump appeared alongside FBI Director Kash Patel and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at a White House press conference.
Blanche stated that the investigation is ongoing and authorities expect to file charges soon. Patel said law enforcement has launched an investigation, and a forensic evidence response team is examining ballistics at the scene, including "a long firearm and shell casings." After the incident, the dinner was canceled, and guests were instructed to leave the venue. Trump said the event would be rescheduled within the next 30 days.
When asked about his immediate reaction when the incident occurred, Trump said he heard a loud noise and initially thought it was a waiter dropping a tray inside the banquet hall, describing the sound as "very loud" but seemingly coming from "a fairly distant location." Trump praised the swift evacuation, saying, "We were removed very quickly. Again, the Secret Service response was extremely rapid," and pointed out, "We were out in just seconds."
Trump said he originally hoped to return to the venue that evening and continue the event, adding, "I strongly emphasize that we will host it again within the next 30 days—and bigger, better, and even more impressive." The dinner was a fundraising event, with part of the proceeds going toward scholarships for journalism students. Thousands attended, drawing numerous journalists, political figures, business leaders, and celebrities.
Source: rfi
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863530110838791/
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