Nancy Pelosi calls WHCD shooting ‘terrifying act of violence’, lauds law enforcement’s swift action

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi condemned the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD) firing and applauded the law enforcement for their quick response.

A man had opened fire in the lobby of the Washington Hilton during the correspondents’ dinner on Saturday, April 25, leaving nearly 2,000 guests panicked and anxious.

Nancy Pelosi on WHCD firing

After the shooting at the dinner in the Washington Hilton, which disrupted the annual event, the former House Speaker condemned the shooting. Taking to X, Nancy Pelosi called the firing a terrifying act of violence.

“It is a great relief that the President, First Lady and everyone in attendance at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner is safe following a terrifying act of violence inside the venue,” Pelosi wrote on X.

She further praised the Secret Service and local law enforcement agents for their quick response and for preventing harm to people present in the hall.

“The brave men and women of the United States Secret Service and local law enforcement are to be commended for their swift action to secure the scene and protect those present,” Pelosi added.

Nancy Pelosi, noting her family’s experience with political violence, said her prayers were with the injured officer and those affected.

“As someone whose family has suffered political violence, my prayers are with the injured officer and all those affected by the trauma of these horrible incidents,” the former House Speaker concluded her X post.

Cole Allen, 31, opens fire at WHCD

Nearly 30 minutes after Trump and the first lady entered the Correspondent’s dinner at the Washington Hilton, a gunman opened fire near the event’s main security screening area, prompting the evacuation of key officials and others.

He was identified as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from Torrance, Calif. He was taken into custody. The horrifying incident occurred after 8:30 pm on Saturday, April 25.

President Donald Trump was scheduled to join journalists and high-profile administration members for the annual WHCD bash, with Trump giving the traditional speech later in the evening.

Trump promises ‘bigger, better’ dinner within 30 days

The event has been postponed, and President Donald Trump promised to hold a ‘bigger, better and nicer’ correspondents’ dinner within 30 days.

During the press briefing, Trump also advocated for the construction of the proposed ballroom with strong security measures. He emphasised that the Washington Hilton is not a safe building.

"It's not a particularly secure building," he said of the Washington Hilton. "I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we're planning at the White House.