Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the Secret Service's handling of his evacuation compared to Vice President JD Vance during a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner last month. The president recounted the chaotic moments of the April 25 event, where gunfire erupted outside the Washington Hilton ballroom, prompting agents to rush both men to safety.
Trump's Account of the Incident
Video footage from the event shows a Secret Service agent swiftly pulling Vice President Vance backward from his seat, while Trump initially remained seated before being escorted off stage, briefly losing his footing. Trump, 79, remarked, "I saw them take JD by the shoulders and lift him up like he was a little boy. I said, 'How come they didn't lift me up so fast?' They lifted JD — got ripped out of the chair. That was a view of the week, but they did the job, JD, right? I think so."
Details on the Suspect
The suspect, 31-year-old California engineer Cole Allen, has been charged with attempting to assassinate the president and other related offenses. During his arraignment, Allen pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident has sparked discussions about security protocols and the Secret Service's response times during high-risk situations. Trump's comments have added a layer of public scrutiny to the agency's actions that night.
