Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles is “greatly relieved” that US President Donald Trump, the First Lady, and other attendees at the White House Correspondents' Dinner escaped harm after an armed individual attempted to enter the event forcefully. The King, preparing for a four-day state visit to the US alongside Queen Camilla, is being “kept fully informed of developments” following the alarming incident on Saturday evening.
Video footage captured the president being hurriedly escorted from the room by Secret Service agents. Vice-President JD Vance was also quickly moved to safety, as reported by the Daily Star. The King and Queen have privately reached out to President Trump and Melania to express their concern for everyone affected and to acknowledge the quick actions of security personnel who prevented further danger.
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace stated: “His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed.”
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Discussions are underway between UK and US officials to assess whether Saturday’s events will impact the operational planning for the upcoming royal visit.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, reportedly carried a shotgun and handgun. He is facing charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges anticipated. One officer was hospitalized after being shot but was protected by a bulletproof vest. The suspect is believed to have been staying at the Washington Hilton, the site of the dinner.
This incident follows a previous assassination attempt on Donald Trump in 2024, when he was shot at a campaign rally, sustaining a minor injury to his ear.
The UK government is taking the security of King Charles very seriously. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told the BBC that talks regarding the King’s protection during his US visit are ongoing, affirming that appropriate security measures will be in place.
King Charles’s upcoming visit marks his first as sovereign to the United States and serves to honour the 250th anniversary of American independence. The royal couple’s itinerary includes a private tea hosted by the President and First Lady, a commemorative event for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and a block-party celebration to mark the occasion.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed shock at the incident and extended solidarity to President Biden. In a message on social media, he condemned attacks on democratic institutions and the freedom of the press, expressing relief that all attendees escaped unscathed. Starmer has also spoken directly with the US President to offer good wishes and hope for the recovery of the injured officer.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp likewise condemned the event as “an attack on democracy,” underscoring the gravity of the situation amid the high-profile visit.