Sir Keir Starmer has phoned Donald Trump to express his relief that the US President and the first lady are safe after 'shocking scenes' at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. A Secret Service officer was injured in the shooting that saw the President evacuated to safety in chaotic scenes at the Washington Hilton last night.
Suspect Charged
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is facing two firearm-related charges after opening fire near the room where Donald Trump and several other high-profile cabinet members were dining. The Prime Minister extended his best wishes following the 'shocking scenes at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner', according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The PM expressed his relief that they were safe, and wished a speedy recovery to the officer injured in the incident, the spokesperson adds.
Middle East Discussion
The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the 'urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy'.
Targeting Trump Officials
The accused gunman who tried to storm the ballroom at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner with guns and knives travelled across the country before the event and is believed to have been targeting members of the Trump administration, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. Blanche also said officials believe the suspect travelled by train from California to Chicago and then on to Washington, where in recent days he checked in as a guest to the hotel where one of Washington's glitziest events was being held.
Law enforcement officials who have examined the gunman's electronic devices and his writings preliminarily believe he intended to target administration members in attendance at the dinner. He attempted to charge into the cavernous ballroom at the Washington Hilton but was tackled to the ground in a chaotic scene that resulted in shots being fired, President Donald Trump being hurried off the stage and guests ducking for cover beneath their tables.
Video and Aftermath
Video posted by Trump showed the suspect running past security barricades as Secret Service agents ran toward him. One officer was shot in a bullet-resistant vest but was recovering, officials said. The gunman was taken into custody and was not injured, but was being evaluated at a hospital, police said. The suspect is believed to have purchased the firearms he carried within the last couple of years, Blanche said. He is not being cooperative and is expected to face multiple charges on Monday.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
