Saturday night’s White House shooting has cast a shadow over King Charles and Queen Camilla’s United States visit, a royal commentator has told GB News.
Their Majesties are due to arrive in the US on Monday for a three-day State Visit, where they will stay in Washington, DC, with Donald and Melania Trump.
However, on Saturday night, an attempted attack occurred during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton, resulting in the immediate evacuation of the President and First Lady.
President Trump addressed the media from the White House later in the evening, describing the shooter as a “lone wolf” and confirming that all protectees were safe.
The event has been postponed and will be rescheduled within 30 days, despite tomorrow’s State Visit going ahead as planned.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News: “This is obviously very concerning. Security will have been extremely tight anyway, especially given the War with Iran.
“Clearly, it will be further strengthened. To my knowledge, no walkabouts were planned. This devastating security scare turned the event into chaos.”
Royal fans took to social media to express their concerns for the safety of the King and Queen in the US.
White House shooting casts shadow over King Charles and Queen Camilla US visit
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GETTY / REUTERS
One questioned: “Is it safe for King Charles to visit the USA?”
Another quipped: “King Charles shouldn’t go to America, your secret service is so incompetent.”
Someone else commented: “Although the schedule is unlikely to change, last night’s shooting is bound to trigger a security review of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s US tour and meetings with President Trump this week.”
A royal fan expressed: “We cannot allow King Charles’s visit to go ahead. America is not safe.”
Donald Trump speaking at a press briefing at the White House, following a shooting incident during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner
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REUTERS
Someone else pointed out: “The event was highly protected. The head of the FBI was there.
“President Trump said there was security at every table. I’m curious if King Charles’s security team will advise against it.”
One social media user said: “Another good reason to cancel King Charles’s visit to America.”
A royal watcher posted: “There’s the visit of King Charles coming up. In the UK, the King strolls among the public, shaking hands, etc., with no special security, nothing. But in the UK, people can’t carry guns. Will the visit be cancelled now?”
Similarly, someone wrote: “King Charles shouldn’t go; the amateur secret service agents couldn’t protect him properly.”
Another said: “I pray that the UK doesn’t let King Charles visit America now that we just had a targeting shooting.”
A royal fan commented: “How can King Charles travel to the US in the midst of this?”
Finally, someone stated: “So thankful the President and First Lady, and everyone are safe, and the perpetrator is in custody.
“The radicals are out of control in this country, and I wonder if this will have any effect on the royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla?”
Guests take cover after Donald and Melania Trump were rushed out of the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner by Secret Service agents
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REUTERS
GB News has contacted both Buckingham Palace and the White House for comment.
Secret Service agents intercepted the suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, from Torrance, California. One Secret Service officer was shot at close range but was saved by his bulletproof vest.
The suspect, who was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and multiple knives, was tackled and taken into custody. He was not shot but was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Hundreds of guests, including journalists and Government officials like Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, took cover under tables.
The suspect is facing charges including assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence. He is expected to be formally charged in court on Monday, April 27.