The King has expressed his relief that US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other guests at a White House Correspondents' Association dinner were unharmed after a gunman attempted to storm the venue. Buckingham Palace confirmed that Charles, who begins a four-day state visit to the US on Monday, is being kept fully informed of developments.
Video footage shows President Trump being bundled from the room by secret service agents as chaos erupted. The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, was carrying a shotgun and handgun. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, with additional charges expected.
The King and Queen have privately contacted the president and first lady to express sympathy and gratitude to security services. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said discussions are ongoing with US colleagues regarding whether the incident will affect operational planning for the state visit.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones confirmed that security arrangements for the King's visit are being reviewed, stating that 'appropriate security in relation to the risk' will be in place. The visit marks the 250th anniversary of American independence and includes a private tea with the president and first lady, as well as commemorations for the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the attack as 'an attack on democratic institutions' and has spoken with President Trump to extend his best wishes. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the incident as 'an attack on democracy'.
