By Toyin Omolegan
U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday King Charles III will proceed with a planned state visit despite a shooting in Washington that prompted heightened security concerns and triggered reviews by British and American officials coordinating the trip.
Trump made the remarks after a suspect opened fire near the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday, an incident authorities said likely targeted administration officials, including the president, though no fatalities were reported and the attacker was arrested.
Secret Service agents evacuated Trump and first lady Melania Trump from the Washington Hilton hotel after the suspect fired a shotgun at a security checkpoint, striking an agent protected by a ballistic vest, officials said Sunday.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said investigators believe the suspect, identified as a California man, acted alone and intended to target Trump, adding the individual faces federal charges including attempted murder of a federal officer.
Buckingham Palace said King Charles was “fully informed” of the incident and expressed relief that Trump and other attendees were unharmed, while confirming ongoing discussions with U.S. authorities about operational implications for the visit.
The British government said security agencies from both countries were working in close coordination to reassess arrangements ahead of the four-day visit scheduled to begin Monday, which includes meetings, ceremonies and a congressional address.
Officials said the shooting prompted a comprehensive security review but did not immediately alter the visit schedule, with Trump indicating publicly that the trip would proceed as planned under reinforced protective measures.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, attended by roughly 2,600 guests including senior officials and journalists, was canceled after the shooting caused panic and forced attendees to take cover during the incident.
Law enforcement officials said the suspect had traveled across multiple states before arriving in Washington and was armed with several weapons, raising questions about security screening protocols at high-profile political events.
The incident drew condemnation from international leaders, who emphasized the risks of political violence and its potential impact on diplomatic engagements, particularly high-profile visits such as the upcoming trip by the British monarch.
