Buckingham Palace has confirmed King Charles’ statement as the King prepares for his historic US state visit
King Charles is “greatly relieved” that US President Donald Trump, the First Lady and other guests at a media dinner escaped unharmed after an armed man attempted to force his way into the venue, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.
Charles, who is due to begin a four-day state visit to the US on Monday alongside Camilla, is being “kept fully informed of developments” following the shocking incident that brought chaos to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday night.
Footage captured the moment the president stumbled as he was swiftly ushered from the room by Secret Service agents, who also grabbed vice-president JD Vance by the shoulders and rushed him to safety.
It’s believed the King and Queen have privately contacted the president and his wife, Melania, to express their concern for everyone caught up in the incident, as well as their appreciation for the security personnel who stepped in to prevent further danger, reports the Daily Star.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed.”
“As you would expect, a number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with US colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit.”
The alleged attacker, said to have been armed with a shotgun and handgun, has been named as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. One officer who was struck by gunfire but protected by his bulletproof vest was taken to hospital.
It’s understood that the 31 year old was a guest at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the dinner was being held.
He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, though acting US attorney general Todd Blanche confirmed that further charges are set to follow.
Mr Trump survived an assassination attempt in 2024 when he was shot in the right ear by a gunman during a campaign rally.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones told the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme that talks regarding the King’s security arrangements during his US visit would take place on Sunday.
When pressed on whether security measures would be stepped up beyond what had already been planned, he said: “There’ll be appropriate security in place in relation to the risk.”
The landmark visit, which marks the King’s first trip to the US since ascending to the throne, will honour the 250th anniversary of American independence and launch a series of celebrations throughout the country.
Charles and Camilla will mark the occasion at a “block-party”.
The royal couple, who will begin their trip with a private tea hosted by the president and first lady, will also pay tribute to the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that brought down New York’s Twin Towers. Mr Jones told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News that Sir Keir Starmer had been in touch with the White House: “These are remarkable scenes. The Prime Minister has, this morning, sent a message to the president of the United States in solidarity for the events that took place.
“As you would imagine, with the visit of His Majesty the King this week, our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.”
When pressed on any heightened concerns surrounding the King’s safety ahead of the state visit beginning on Monday, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.”
Sir Keir admitted he was “shocked” by the overnight incident. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is a huge relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all those attending are safe.”
The Prime Minister then reached out directly to the US president, extending his best wishes and expressing hope for a swift recovery for the injured officer.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp branded the incident “an attack on democracy”.
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