Donald Trump has told reporters that attackers target “big names” who have made the “biggest impact,” following a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that forced the president to be escorted to safety.
The suspect, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, reportedly targeted Trump administration officials. While the motive remains officially unknown, Allen is expected to be formally charged in court on two counts this Monday.
The president revealed he “fought like hell” to remain at the event after the shots were fired but eventually followed security advice to return to the White House. He later shared an image on social media showing a shirtless man, identified as the shooter, lying on the ground after being detained by security forces.
Questions regarding security failures at the Washington Hilton have intensified. BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue, who was present at the scene, reported that his identification was not checked upon entry.
The incident has overshadowed the annual gathering, which serves as a traditional meeting point for the US president, high-ranking officials, and the Washington press corps.
Information taken from BBC.