President Trump spoke after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday evening, praising the rapid response of the Secret Service and law enforcement and stressing unity.
According to Trump, a man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and was taken down by Secret Service agents. Video the president said he ordered released shows the attacker subdued and the agents acting quickly. One officer was shot but survived because he was wearing a bulletproof vest; Trump said the officer was in good spirits when he spoke with him.
Trump described the event as one devoted to free speech that nonetheless “unified” the room when the attack occurred, calling the scene “very beautiful” in its solidarity. He thanked law enforcement, the Secret Service in particular, the D.C. police and local officials for their actions and said the attacker would be pursued — Trump said the suspect lived in California and called him “a sick person.”
The president used the incident to argue for increased security at the White House, saying the current venue was “not a particularly secure building” and reiterating support for a more secure ballroom with features such as bulletproof glass and drone protection. He said the military and Secret Service have sought the ballroom for many reasons and that events need unprecedented levels of security.
Trump recalled previous episodes where Republicans had been targeted, urged Americans to “recommit with their hearts in resolving our differences peacefully,” and noted that people from across the political spectrum in the room — Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives and liberals — came together in the moment. He called the crowd “record-setting” and praised the event organizers and the press for responsible coverage.
Trump said he and the first lady were escorted offstage quickly and thanked the aides and law enforcement who helped. He said the dinner would be rescheduled within 30 days, vowing not to cancel such gatherings. He then invited White House staff including Todd Blanche to speak and provide updates, and called on other officials to address the press.