​Trump says Melania looked ‘very upset’ over White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting

The President admitted that while people don't like to talk about being scared, anyone would be afraid in a situation like that.
President Trump recalls the moment Melania Trump realized the gunfire at the WHCD was “more of a bullet than it was a tray” (Screengrab/@RedWavePress/X)
President Trump recalls the moment Melania Trump realized the gunfire at the WHCD was “more of a bullet than it was a tray” (Screengrab/@RedWavePress/X)


WASHINGTON, DC: On Sunday, April 26, President Donald Trump appeared in an interview with CBS News’ Norah O'Donnell and spoke about how Melania Trump reacted to the gunfire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, noting how the incident left her worried.

President Trump said it was natural for the First Lady to feel upset, given the dangerous situation they faced.

Trump recalls Melania’s reaction after WHCD shooting

Trump explained that while people often hide their fear, the intensity of the moment was clear. "I don't want to say, and people don't like having it said that they were scared, but certainly, I mean, who wouldn't be when you have a situation like that?" he said.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: (L-R) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Melania Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Weijia Jiang attend as Mentalist Oz Pearlman hosts The White House Correspondents Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for OP)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 25: (L-R) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Melania Trump, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Weijia Jiang attend as Mentalist Oz Pearlman hosts The White House Correspondents Dinner at Washington Hilton on April 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for OP)

He believes she quickly understood the danger, adding, "By that time, I think she realised, ahead of time, that was more of a bullet than it was a tray."

After watching a close-up video of the event, Trump described her visible distress. "I looked at her face just a little while ago before I came. I saw the scene. They played it for me, and, you know, pretty good close up," he mentioned. 

He concluded by saying, "And, uh, she looked, uh, very upset about what just took place. Why not!"



Authorities identify California man as suspected gunman

Following the chaos at the Washington Hilton on Saturday, April 25, authorities successfully identified and detained a suspect.

Reports shared on social media by Karol Markowicz named the individual as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, a resident of Torrance, California.



Confirming the arrest, she noted, “The attempted shooter at the White House Correspondent's Dinner is 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen from Torrance, California, and he is in custody.”

Trump applauds security teams’ response after shooting

Meanwhile, Trump took to 'Truth Social' to applaud the swift actions of the security teams on-site. 

“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely," he posted.

The President added, "The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we 'LET THE SHOW GO ON' but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement."



Officer saved by bulletproof vest after close-range attack

The incident resulted in one police officer being struck by gunfire, though Trump later confirmed the officer is "doing great. He's in great shape. He is, it's very high spirits." 

Notably, the outcome could have been much more tragic if not for the officer's safety equipment, as Trump explained, "One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing obviously a very good bulletproof vest." 

He highlighted the severity of the attack, noting, "He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job."

RELATED TOPICS WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Media reports said one of the victims identified as Sturdevant had at least 20 years of flying experience and had served as a commissioned officer in the Navy
2026-10-30T21:15:24.000Z
The Chicago-born pope sent in a mail-in ballot ahead of the November 3 polls, with the Vatican confirming on Friday, October 30, that he had exercised his rights as an American citizen
2026-10-30T18:51:43.000Z
As donations continued pouring in, Walt addressed supporters directly for the first time through a message posted under his GoFundMe fundraiser
2026-10-30T17:08:48.000Z
Christa Pike called her recovery real but incomplete saying 'healing is not the same as being okay'
2026-10-30T15:03:23.000Z
Although deadlines have passed in several states, some still allow eligible residents to register and vote during early voting or on Election Day
2026-10-30T09:27:15.000Z
The exchange took place as JD Vance and Donald Trump campaigned for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections
2026-10-30T08:15:22.000Z
Authorities have not released the student pilot's identity as they are working with the British consulate and the FBI to notify the individual's family
2026-10-30T07:34:02.000Z
Donald Trump pointed out the aircraft to the children gathered on the lawn before returning to greet the guests
2026-10-30T04:42:33.000Z
The first lady joined Donald Trump in greeting young visitors as the South Lawn hosted thousands of families for the annual October 29 celebration
2026-10-30T02:55:34.000Z
Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said the victim was an innocent bystander caught in a dispute at a nearby hair salon
2026-10-30T02:05:42.000Z