AOC calls Trump ballroom ‘ornate castle’, opposes funding as his plan predates WHCD shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: After the recent shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD), Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised concerns about security, calling it a "very clear failure of systems."

She made the remarks following the shooting at the Washington Hilton, where a gunman opened fire and prompted a large-scale security response.

Ocasio-Cortez said officials need to closely examine how the suspect was able to breach security at an event attended by political leaders, journalists, and other public figures. She stressed the importance of accountability and a thorough review of existing protocols.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez demands probe into WHCD security failure

Ocasio-Cortez said the incident reflects a breakdown in security measures, stating, “I think that an attempt like this is a very clear failure of systems.”

She added that officials need to determine “how such a catastrophic failure to secure the perimeter occurred."

She dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the incident but said events like this demand a “very thorough and very real investigation,” pointing to past security lapses that prompted oversight action.

The WHCD shooting resulted in at least one officer being injured, though the officer was protected by a bulletproof vest and is reported to be recovering.

Authorities confirmed that a suspect was apprehended following the incident, and investigations are ongoing.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez rejects White House ballroom plan

Ocasio-Cortez also addressed renewed calls to construct a ballroom at the White House, a proposal previously supported by President Donald Trump.

She rejected the idea that the recent incident should be used to justify such a project.

The idea that they are now trying to change the rationale for this … doesn’t quite add up,” she said.

"In fact, the White House long had facilities for hosting, which also included the East Wing of the White House prior to them bulldozing, the crown jewel of the American people.

“So I don't believe that in an era where they are jacking up prices on the American people when they are gutting everyone's health care, when people cannot afford to pay their rent and their mortgages, that we should be choosing our precious treasure”

The congresswoman further questioned the allocation of public funds for such a project, citing broader economic concerns.

“Little treasure that we have in this country to build an ornate castle on a scale of which is quite unprecedented and unbelievable, without any sort of accountability to those funds,” she added.

When asked if she feels safe as a member of Congress, Ocasio-Cortez responded, “I never have.” She said limited resources and rising political tensions have created a “dire and desperate state” that requires leaders to lower the temperature.

Her remarks add to the broader discussion on security, funding priorities, and public safety in the aftermath of the WHCD incident.