King Charles has said he is ‘greatly relieved’ that US President Donald Trump, the First Lady and all guests were unharmed after a gunman stormed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night
The King is “greatly relieved” that US President Donald Trump, the first lady and other attendees at a media dinner were unscathed after an armed man attempted to storm the venue, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Charles, who embarks on a four-day US state visit on Monday with Camilla, is being “kept fully informed of developments” following the disruption of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by the attack on Saturday night.
Video footage depicts the president stumbling as he was hurriedly escorted out of the room by secret service agents who also seized vice-president JD Vance by the shoulders and guided him to safety.
It’s understood that the King and Queen have privately reached out to the president and his wife, Melania, to convey their sympathies with all those affected on the night, and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further harm.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson stated: “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.
“As you would expect, a number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with US colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit.”
The alleged perpetrator, reportedly armed with a shotgun and handgun, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. One officer who was shot but shielded by his bulletproof vest was taken to hospital.
It’s understood that the 31 year old was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel where the dinner was taking place.
He is facing charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting US attorney general Todd Blanche stated that additional charges will be filed.
Mr Trump survived an assassination attempt in 2024 when he was shot in the right ear by a gunman during a campaign rally.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme that discussions regarding the King’s security during his visit to the United States would occur on Sunday.
When asked if there would be any escalation on what had already been planned, he said: “There’ll be appropriate security in place in relation to the risk.”
The historic visit, marking the King’s first trip to the US as monarch, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence and kick off celebrations across the US.
Charles and Camilla will celebrate the milestone at a “block-party”.
The royal couple, starting their visit with a private tea hosted by the president and first lady, will also mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that brought down New York’s Twin Towers.
Mr Jones informed Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer had contacted the White House: “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.
“As you would imagine, with the visit of His Majesty the King this week, our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.”
When questioned about any additional concerns regarding the King’s safety during the state visit commencing on Monday, Mr Jones stated: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.”
Sir Keir revealed he was “shocked” by the overnight incident. In a message on X, the Prime Minister declared: “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is a huge relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all those attending are safe.”
The prime minister subsequently contacted the US president and offered his best wishes while hoping for a swift recovery for the wounded officer.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described the incident as “an attack on democracy”.