Chilling moment Donald Trump’s Secret Service officer puts life on line | World | News
An unsung hero put himself in harm’s way as gunshots rang out at an event attended by Donald Trump in Washington. The US President told CBS News that “we live in a crazy world” as he was asked about the chaotic scenes when a man allegedly attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night.
Mr Trump, his wife, Melania and other senior members of the administration were bundled to safety by Secret Service agents as guests took cover under tables in the ballroom of the Washington Hilton after shots were fired elsewhere in the building. One officer was hit but was wearing a bulletproof vest and is expected to make a full recovery, US authorities said.
Footage from the event showed guests gradually realising something was wrong after the initial sound of gunfire. At that moment, an unnamed man, presumed to be a member of Mr Trump’s secret service security detail, immediately got to the front of the stage.
As guests ducked for cover, he stood between Mr Trump and any potential fire, before the President and other VIPs, including Vice President JD Vance, were grabbed by their security teams and moved out of the room.
US authorities believe the attack on the black-tie event was directed at Mr Trump and other senior government figures.
The man accused of opening fire, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, is alleged to have sent messages to family members minutes before the shooting in which he described himself as a “Friendly Federal Assassin” and voiced grievances about the actions of the US administration.
He is due to appear in court on Monday, where he faces a series of charges, including attempting to kill a federal officer.
Despite the shooting, a planned royal visit by Charles and Camilla to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence is going ahead following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic.
British ambassador to the US Sir Christian Turner said: “We are very confident that all appropriate security measures are in place.”
Asked during an interview how concerned he had been during the attack, Mr Trump said: “I wasn’t worried. I understand life. We live in a crazy world.”
