WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Saturday that an officer was shot in an incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, DC, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
"One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing an obviously, a very good bulletproof vest.
"He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great. He's in great shape," Trump said at a news conference.
His remarks came after the president and first lady, Melania Trump, were evacuated from the annual event at the Washington Hilton after a security-related incident.
The president said the incident highlights the need for the White House ballroom that is currently under construction, which he said would be better equipped to host high-security events.
"It's not a particularly secure building, and I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we're planning at the White House. It's actually a larger room, and it's much more secure. It's drone-proof, it's bulletproof glass. We need the ballroom. That's why Secret Service, that's why the military are demanding it," Trump said.
Advertisement
He said the suspect was "armed with multiple weapons."
"I guess he lives in California, and he's a sick person, a very sick person," he added.
'You will see charges filed shortly'
Media reports said the suspect was identified as Cole Thomas Allen, 31. He is in custody.
"My impression is he was a lone wolf," said Trump.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, for his part, said the investigation is "ongoing."
"I expect you will see charges filed shortly. The charges should be self-evident, given the conduct, but as you’ll hear, there will be multiple charges surrounding the shooting, around the possession of firearms and anything else that we can get on this guy," he said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau will be "thoroughly" examining the suspect's background.
"That process has already started ... we will analyse all evidence immediately to make sure that we safeguard this country," Patel told reporters.
"I guess," Trump replied when asked if he believed that he was the target of the shooting.
When asked whether the shooting could have been linked to the war in Iran, Trump said, "I don't think so. But you never know."
'Defendant will be arraigned on Monday in federal district court'
In a separate news conference, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said the gunman rushed a Secret Service checkpoint in the lobby of the hotel.
"Secret Service agents stopped the suspect. An agent was injured and transported to a local hospital, where the agent is receiving care," said Bowser.
The suspect was also transported to a hospital where he is being evaluated, she added.
"We have no reason to believe at this time that anyone else was involved," said the mayor.
Jeff Carroll, interim chief of police for the Metropolitan Police Department, said the suspect was armed with a shotgun, a handgun and multiple knives.
According to preliminary information, Carroll said he was a guest at the hotel.
The officer said he cannot give a motivation for the suspect’s actions "at this point."
Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said the suspect is being charged with two counts.
"The defendant will be arraigned on Monday in federal district court," Pirro added.
.jpg)
