Trump hails Secret Service for 'stopping him cold', presses Dems over DHS funding after shooting

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, April 26, said he and First Lady Melania Trump are safe after an armed suspect opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, disrupting the annual event and prompting a swift evacuation.

In his first public comments after the incident, Trump described it as a “very sad evening” but said the aftermath also showed a rare moment of political unity.

The president praised law enforcement for quickly stopping the suspect and suggested the event could influence congressional negotiations over the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding standoff.

Trump says event turned into moment of unity after shooting

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said both he and the first lady were unharmed and recovering from the shock of the incident. 

“She’s doing great. I’m fine. And it was a very sad evening in many ways. And it was also an evening where a lot of people got together,” Trump said.

The president said the aftermath of the shooting brought together attendees across political lines, including Democrats who had attended the dinner. “The place was just coming together,” Trump said. “Was very nice to see, actually.”

The shooting unfolded at the Washington Hilton during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner after an armed suspect breached a security checkpoint. Law enforcement exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who was later taken into custody.

Authorities said the suspect was carrying multiple weapons, including a shotgun, a handgun and knives. 

Investigators are still examining the motive, though Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said preliminary findings suggest the attacker may have been targeting administration officials.

Trump praises law enforcement and links incident to DHS funding fight

Trump commended the Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies for their response, saying officers acted decisively to prevent further harm. 

“And the Secret Service and all law enforcement were, I thought, they were outstanding,” Trump said. “They stopped him cold. And there were no games being played, that I can tell you.”

The president used the incident to renew pressure on congressional Democrats over the Department of Homeland Security funding deadlock, arguing that frontline personnel deserve immediate support.

“These were strong, solid people who’ve got to get paid,” Trump said. “I think maybe they’ll loosen up a little bit now because I thought great talent was displayed last night. Bravery but talent.”

The Department of Homeland Security has faced a partial shutdown since February amid a budget impasse between Democrats and Republicans.

Trump also briefly addressed foreign policy, saying Iran could still reach out if it wanted to restart negotiations after he canceled a planned diplomatic trip by envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Pakistan. 

“If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump said. “You know, there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines.”