President Trump said First Lady Melania Trump had a “traumatic experience” as she declared “that’s a bad noise” when an alleged gunman fired several shots outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night.
“Melania was very cognizant,” Trump said at a press conference at the White House just over an hour after the chaotic scene across town.
“It was a rather traumatic experience for her,” he added
The first couple had just made their grand entrance to the annual event at the Washington Hilton Hotel when they heard what they initially thought was dinner trays falling. But she soon realized something was wrong and said “that’s a bad noise,” Trump said.
The commander in chief revealed the first lady has always been cautious of his job and the higher risk he is put in.
“The first lady was doing a terrific job. She loves the country. She recognizes it better than any. But she told me numerous times, she said ‘you are in a dangerous job.’”
Secret Service agents captured suspected shooter Cole Allen in the lobby.
Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from Torrance, Calif., was found armed with a “shotgun, handgun and multiple knives,” DC Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll told reporters.
The gunman is believed to have acted alone, but a motive and target have not been revealed.
CCTV footage captured the alleged gunman storming through the hotel lobby and past several Secret Service agents.
Trump, Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance and members of Trump’s Cabinet were rushed out of the ballroom.
Guests, including journalists and members of Trump’s cabinet, took cover under their table as Trump and Melania were rushed off the dais.
One Secret Service agent was shot in the chaos.
Trump said the agent was hit “from a very close distance with a very powerful gun,” but survived thanks to his bulletproof vest and is in “great shape” at a local hospital.
