The UK government is in intense talks with the White House over security arrangements for King Charles III's state visit to the US, following a gun threat at a Washington DC dinner attended by Donald Trump. The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night, when a gunman attempted to storm the event, forcing the evacuation of President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old school teacher Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, entered the Washington Hilton hotel wielding a shotgun and handgun. He had checked into the hotel as a guest. One police officer was shot but saved from serious injury by a bulletproof vest and taken to hospital. Allen has been charged with assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, with further charges expected.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief secretary, Darren Jones, told Sky News: “These are remarkable scenes. The Prime Minister has, this morning, sent a message to the president of the United States in solidarity for the events that took place.” He added that security teams are working closely to ensure appropriate arrangements for the King's visit, which marks 250 years of the US Declaration of Independence.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed.” The King and Queen have privately expressed sympathies to President Trump and First Lady Melania, and gratitude to the security services.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the incident as “an attack on democracy”, while Starmer condemned it as an attack on democratic institutions and press freedom. Discussions on the King's security are ongoing, with officials assessing whether the events will impact operational planning for the state visit.
