Trump Praises Secret Service After Rescue from Attack

U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told NBC News that President Donald Trump and officials of his administration were the "likely targets" in the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

Police said that the gunman opened fire near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while the dinner was underway. U.S. media outlets reported that the 31-year-old suspect, Cole Thomas Allen, has been taken into custody.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said while the investigation into the motive is ongoing, preliminary evidence suggests the gunman targeted administration officials. The FBI’s Criminal Division and Counterterrorism Task Force are currently investigating the incident.

After security personnel quickly rushed him off the stage, Trump told reporters, "I can't imagine there’s a profession more dangerous than this." On Sunday, the White House issued a statement saying Trump and his cabinet members had "survived an assassination attempt" during the shooting.

Weijia Jiang, President of the White House Correspondents' Association, described the event as "horrific." She credited the Secret Service’s swift action with saving thousands of guests and noted that the organization's board would meet to discuss future protocols.

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump claimed the suspect had "harbored hatred for a long time" and that his family was aware of his issues. He further alleged that the individual had a "manifesto" and was "very anti-Christian." U.S. media, citing law enforcement sources, reported that the suspect has a history of anti-Trump posts on social media.

The gunfire was heard in the lobby of the Washington Hilton at 8:35 PM local time on Saturday, while the dinner was being held in the downstairs ballroom. President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were immediately moved to a secure location.

Videos circulating on social media showed Secret Service agents moving Vice President Vance shortly before Trump was evacuated—a sequence that has raised questions among some observers.

In his Sunday interview, Donald Trump mentioned that while security personnel wanted to move him quickly, he did not initially make it easy for them.

"I wanted to see what was happening... what was going on," he said. "That’s when we began to realize this might be a serious problem." At one point, security personnel ordered him to get down on the floor. Trump praised his security team as "great."
Officials stated that law enforcement believes the suspect was the one who opened fire. He was not struck by gunfire but was taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Police reported that he was carrying two firearms and several knives.

CBS News reviewed a document stating that the attacker intended to target members of the Trump administration from the "highest to the lowest ranks." Although guests and hotel staff were not his primary targets, he reportedly planned to attack them if necessary to reach government officials.

BBC News has not independently verified the authenticity of this document. It has been described as a "manifesto" and was reportedly sent to the suspect's family members before the attack.

Several BBC journalists present at the dinner described a scene of massive confusion following the sound of gunshots. The BBC’s chief North America correspondent reported hearing "explosion-like sounds," adding, "Within moments, I realized it was the heavy sound of a semi-automatic weapon."

Following the incident, the entire venue was temporarily placed on lockdown. It was later announced that the event would be rescheduled, and guests were safely evacuated.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told CBS News that investigators believe the suspect traveled by train from Los Angeles to Chicago before arriving in Washington, D.C.

On LinkedIn, Cole Allen identified himself as a mechanical engineer, game developer, and teacher. A resident of Torrance, his associated addresses are currently being searched. Officials said he will be formally charged in federal court on Monday, with counts including assault on a federal officer and the use of a firearm in a violent crime.

Following the attack, Donald Trump held a briefing at the White House, where he praised the Secret Service. He stated that everyone present owes the Secret Service a "debt of immense gratitude."

Despite his frequent criticism of the media during his two presidential terms, Trump thanked journalists for their "responsible reporting," adding, "We should resolve our differences peacefully."

He also used the incident to bolster his argument for constructing a new ballroom at the White House. Writing on Truth Social, he stated, "This would not have happened if we had a militarily secure ballroom. It is currently under construction." However, the project faces various legal challenges.

This is being cited as the third assassination threat against Trump.
In July 2024, a bullet grazed his ear during a rally in Butler, and in September of the same year, a suspected gunman was spotted hiding in the bushes at his golf club in West Palm Beach.

This was his first time attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner as President. Previously, he had attended the event in 2011 as a private citizen.

World leaders have condemned the incident. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have all issued statements.

(Source: BBC Bangla)