US President Donald Trump said at a press conference Sunday after the shooting at a press dinner at a Washington hotel that the suspect “was neutralized by some very brave members of the Secret Service.” One of them was shot, but according to Trump, he was protected by the bulletproof vest he was wearing. At the same time, the President called on the Americans to resolve their differences peacefully, reports TASR.
“He was shot at very close range with a very powerful weapon and the bulletproof vest did its job,” he said of the Secret Service agent. The attacker, whom he described as a “potential assassin”, had “multiple weapons”, according to him.
The target of an assassination attempt two years ago
Trump also mentioned an incident in 2024 when he was the target of an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, in which he suffered an ear injury. He said he has studied assassinations and believes people focus on those who had the “biggest impact,” mentioning US President Abraham Lincoln, who died after being assassinated in 1865.
“But in light of tonight’s events, I am asking all Americans to recommit in their hearts to the peaceful resolution of our differences. We must, we must resolve our differences,” he stated.
Security concerns and promises
According to him, the building where the event was held is “not very safe”. He repeatedly said that they will host the dinner again in the next 30 days and it will be “bigger, better and even more beautiful”.
Trump’s Truth Social platform posted a photo of the alleged shooter, a 31-year-old man from California, around the start of the press conference. The president says he is a “very sick person”.
Trump about the lone wolf
“In my opinion, it was a lone wolf,” Trump said, adding that he saw no reason to believe the attack was related to the war in Iran. His actions toward Tehran may have made him a target, but he says he will not be deterred.
“When you do things like that, you become a target. If I didn’t do it, I think I would be a lot less of a target, but it’s an honor to be one,” he told reporters. “It will not deter me from winning the war in Iran,” he declared.
Allegations and evidence
Acting Justice Minister Todd Blanche announced at a press conference that authorities will soon file charges against the attacker. Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Secret Service continue to search the Washington Hilton Hotel where the incident occurred. “I promise that justice will be done,” he declared.
FBI agents are examining all ballistics evidence, including “a long firearm and shell casings,” according to FBI director Kash Patel. They are also interviewing witnesses and urged anyone with information about the incident to report it to the FBI.
The suspect will be arraigned in federal court on Monday, US Attorney General for Washington Jeanine Pirro said. The attacker faces two counts of using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting federal officers with a dangerous weapon, she said.
