Although President Trump thought the Secret Service had done an admirable job in subduing the gunman, the White House is reviewing security for major events leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
President Trump rushes off stage after shooting at WHCD
Video shows Secret Service agents removing President Donald Trump from the stage after an armed suspect charges into a checkpoint during the WHCD.
Mark J. praises
WASHINGTON – The White House announced that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles will convene a meeting this week to discuss President Donald Trump’s national security in the wake of the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
The Secret Service subdued the gunman at the dinner party and evacuated Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and others from the Washington Hilton. President Trump supports the Secret Service leadership, and the president privately believes agents did an excellent job neutralizing the shooter, said a senior White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly.
But Wiles will meet with the White House operations team, Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security leadership to discuss procedures and practices for major events involving the president, the official said.
President Trump has promoted a series of high-profile events this year, including a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14, Soccer World Cup matches in June and July, and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in events leading up to July 4.
A senior White House official said the Security Council will discuss the security processes that worked on April 25 and consider options for taking all possible steps to safely conduct major events scheduled for National Day.
The suspect in the shooting, Cole Thomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, is scheduled to appear in federal court on April 27 on two charges.
Acting U.S. Attorney Todd Blanche said the suspects appeared to have targeted President Trump and senior government officials who were attending the black tie event.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, the president’s successor in the event the president, vice president and speaker of the House become incapacitated, also said he would review Secret Service and security protocols.
Mr. Grassley (R-Iowa) chairs the Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Secret Service. He said he would work on the review with the committee’s top Democrat, Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois.
Grassley thanked the Secret Service for its quick action and consideration in explaining the matter to lawmakers.
