US Politics
King Charles’s US state visit will go ahead as planned after Washington shooting, Buckingham Palace says
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The King’s US state visit will go ahead as planned after what the White House has called the attempted assassination of president Donald Trump.
Charles and Camilla’s security arrangements were discussed in the wake of Saturday’s violent incident at a Washington media dinner where Mr Trump, the first lady and senior figures from his administration were bundled from the room by the secret service after shots were fired.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: “Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned.
“The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the visit getting under way tomorrow.”
It is understood there will be some modest operational adjustments to one or two royal engagements during the trip but the overall plan remains as previously outlined.
The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was thrown into chaos on Saturday night after an attempted attack, which saw shots fired, prompting the US President to be swiftly evacuated by Secret Service agents along with other senior members of his administration.
King Charles’ security was reviewed following the attack ahead of his four-day visit with Camilla on Monday.
In the wake of the attack, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that discussions were taking place with US colleagues to review “what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit”.
Speaking to Fox News on Sunday about the King’s state visit, Mr Trump said: “He’s coming and we’re going to have a great time.”
He added: “He’s a great guy, and we look forward to it. He’s really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative, and he’s brave.
“We’re gonna have a great time. And he represents his nation like nobody else can do it.”
The suspect, said to have been carrying a shotgun and handgun, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California.
He is understood to have been a guest in the Washington Hilton hotel, where the event was being held. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said additional charges will be filed.
The president posted pictures on his Truth Social platform of the alleged assailant handcuffed on the ground following his detention, and described him as a “lone wolf whack job”.
Mr Trump – who was attending the annual dinner for the first time as president – vowed to reschedule the disrupted event at a late-night press conference following the shooting, which he said had “unified” political opponents and the media.
It is understood that the King and Queen have reached out privately to the US president and first lady to express their sympathies with all those affected by the shooting and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury.
The historic visit, the King’s first visit to the US as monarch, will mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and herald the start of celebrations across the US.
The royal couple, who will begin their visit with a private tea hosted by the president and first lady, will also commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that brought down New York’s Twin Towers.
Later, Mr Trump and the King will sit down for talks in the White House’s famous Oval Office while Camilla and Melania Trump take part in an event together.