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President Trump, accompanied by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Vice President JD Vance, Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche, and FBI Director Kash Patel, addressed the nation from the White House on Saturday evening. The address came in response to the turmoil and shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, which had to be abruptly canceled. Trump assured that the event will be rescheduled soon.
Among those present were First Lady Melania Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
The President commended law enforcement for their swift response and even extended his appreciation to the media for their composed handling and responsible reporting during the crisis and its aftermath.
He confirmed that an officer was injured in the attack, but thanks to the protection of a bulletproof vest, the officer is expected to recover.
While Trump was eager for the event to continue despite the disruption, he ultimately acknowledged that proceeding was impractical under the circumstances.
.@POTUS: “A man charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons, and he was taken down by some very brave members of Secret Service… One officer was shot, but saved… the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he’s doing great.” pic.twitter.com/ypKrVT8YPU
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 26, 2026
He was determined for the show to go on, but finally realized it was just not practical:
🚨 DONALD TRUMP JUST WENT FULL DEFIANT MODE
After the shooting at WHCA dinner: “I fought like HELL to stay!” 🤣
“We’re going to reschedule, we’re going to do it again. We’re NOT going to let anybody take over our society!” 🔥
“We’re not going to cancel things out because we… pic.twitter.com/d3froYfeRb
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
“We’re not going to cancel things out because we can’t do that. We wanted to stay tonight.”
MORE: New: WHCD Shooter Identified, Allegedly a Kamala Harris Donor From California
The Show Will Not Go On: WH Correspondents’ Dinner to Be Rescheduled After Chaotic Night at the Gala
He asked the people of America to reject violence and keep our disagreements peaceful.
🚨 NOW: President Trump DEMANDS a NATIONAL RECKONING towards peace, NOT violence, after tonight’s attempted assassination
“It’s not the first time in the past couple of years that our republic has been attacked by a would-be assassin who sought to kill.”
“In Butler,… pic.twitter.com/RtIC2S1YJO
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
“In Butler, Pennsylvania, less than two years ago. You all know that story. And in Palm Beach, Florida, a few months after that, we came close.”
“In light of this evening’s events, I ask that all Americans recommit with their hearts in resolving our difference peacefully.”
“I will say you had Republicans, Democrats, independents, conservatives, liberals, and progressives.”
“Everybody in that room, big crowd, record-setting crowd.”
“There was a record-setting group of people. And there was a tremendous amount of love and coming together. I watched.”
The president also confirmed what RedState’s Bonchie reported: namely, that the attacker had been apprehended and identified, and authorities are right now combing through his past:
“The man has been captured. They’re going to his apartment,” he said. “I guess he lives in California — and he’s a sick person…
BREAKING: Video Released of Cole Tomas Allen charging through the checkpoint and secret service responding at the White House Correspondents Dinner pic.twitter.com/7oioz2xGyy
— The Facts Dude 🤙🏽 (@Thefactsdude) April 26, 2026
Trump was asked if he feared for his life, considering this is the third assassination attempt in his second term, and Democrats keep preaching for ever more “resistance.” He had an answer:
🚨 NOW: President Trump just gave the PERFECT ANSWER
“Why does it [assassination attempts] keep happening to you?”
TRUMP: The ones that do the most — they go after. They go after impactful people.
“I hate to say I’m honored by that.”
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/AY4bLPGK96
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 26, 2026
The briefing wrapped up minutes ago, and we will keep you posted as new developments arise.