The Democratic politician also praised the security forces who immediately intervened to protect Trump and the guests at the gala.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, where the traditional correspondents’ dinner was taking place. While Trump, his wife Melania and several government members and hundreds of other guests sat in the ballroom, shots were fired at a security checkpoint one floor above the venue.
A Secret Service officer was hit by a bullet in his protective vest during a brief exchange of fire; the perpetrator was overpowered and arrested by security guards. No one was injured in the event hall.
In a quickly arranged late-night press conference, Trump described the arrested man as a “would-be murderer” who was “targeting” him. Attorney General Todd Blanche said “very preliminary” findings suggested the suspect intended to attack “members of the government.” The suspected shooter is scheduled to appear before a federal judge on Monday.
Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in July 2024 during the election campaign for his second term in office; the assassin’s bullet grazed his ear.
