Washington, DC [US], April 26 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday renewed his push for the construction of a secure ballroom on the White House grounds following a shooting incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the idea of a secure ballroom had been proposed by previous presidents for over 150 years and argued that the incident would not have occurred had the event been held in what he described as a “militarily top secret” ballroom currently under construction at the White House.
“What happened last night is exactly the reason that our great Military, Secret Service, law enforcement, and, for different reasons, every President for the last 150 years have been demanding that a large, safe, and secure ballroom be built on the grounds of the White House. This event would never have happened with the militarily top secret ballroom currently under construction at the White House,” Trump said.
He added that the ballroom would be both aesthetically appealing and equipped with the highest levels of security, emphasizing that its construction should not be delayed.
Trump also criticized a lawsuit filed against the project, calling for it to be dropped and stating that nothing should interfere with the construction, which he said is on budget and ahead of schedule.
In a phone interview with Fox News, Trump said the White House ballroom would serve as a future venue for events such as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“It’s really what you need. You can’t have a thousand rooms. It’s a very big hotel on top of the ballroom, and people come down in the elevator and they’re right next to the ballroom. The military and Secret Service have wanted it for many years, and I’m getting it built. Now everybody knows how badly it is needed,” he said.
Meanwhile, U.S. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect involved in the shooting and attempted security breach appeared to be targeting members of the Trump administration, though the motive remains under investigation.
Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Blanche said preliminary findings indicate the suspect had specific intentions directed at government officials in the president’s cabinet.
The incident occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, DC, attended by Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and senior administration officials.
Authorities said the U.S. Secret Service responded swiftly, taking one suspect into custody. The president and other attendees were unharmed, though a security officer sustained injuries during the response.
The event, which traditionally brings together media and political figures, was disrupted as security forces secured the area.
Officials said a 31-year-old man allegedly stormed a security checkpoint at the venue entrance, with suspected gunshots prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Secret Service agents escorted Trump to safety.
According to CNN, the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, who is believed to be responsible for the incident that led to the evacuation of Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and other cabinet members. (ANI)
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