U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken out following a shocking security incident near the White House, describing his role as “the hardest job” after what authorities say was an apparent assassination attempt.
Speaking at a press briefing hours after the incident, Trump revealed that an armed suspect had charged a security checkpoint before being subdued by the United States Secret Service.
“A man with multiple weapons charged the checkpoint and was taken down,” Trump said, describing the suspect as a “very sick person” and a “thug.”
The president confirmed that a Secret Service officer was shot during the confrontation but survived due to protective gear.
“He was saved by his bulletproof vest and is doing great,” Trump added.
The incident unfolded late Saturday during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, where gunfire near a screening area triggered panic and forced the evacuation of top officials, journalists, and guests.
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Authorities later confirmed that a suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen, had been arrested and would be arraigned in court on Monday.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said the suspect faces multiple charges, including use of a firearm during a violent crime and assault on a federal officer.
“This individual was intent on doing as much harm as possible,” Pirro said. “Thankfully, because of the checkpoint, no one else was injured.”
Reflecting on the broader implications, Trump urged Americans to embrace peace despite rising tensions.
“This is not the first time our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin,” he said.
“I ask that all Americans recommit to resolving our differences peacefully.”
When asked if he believed he was the intended target, the president responded cautiously: “I guess.”
Trump also acknowledged the risks associated with political leadership.
“You can have the greatest security in the world, but if you’ve got a whack job whose brain is distorted, they can make trouble,” he said.
“I can’t imagine any profession that’s more dangerous. No country is immune.”
Despite the incident, Trump insisted it would not alter his policy direction, including ongoing tensions involving Iran.
“It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” he said, noting that investigators were still working to determine the motive. “I don’t think it’s connected, but you never know.”
The United States Secret Service confirmed the shooting occurred at a screening area, adding that the situation is under active investigation.
The latest scare adds to a series of threats faced by Trump in recent years, including a near-fatal attack at a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, underscoring ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States.
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