King Charles signals possible changes to US state visit in fresh statement after White House dinner shooting

Dorothy Reddin
Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:21:24 +0000

King Charles has signalled possible changes to tomorrow's US state visit in a fresh statement after last night's White House dinner shooting.

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.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are due to arrive in the US on Monday for a three-day State Visit, where they will stay in the nation's capital with Donald and Melania Trump.

In a fresh statement, a Palace spokesman told GB News: "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.

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"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."

GB News understands that Charles and Camilla have reached out privately to the President and First Lady to express their sympathies.

It is thought that the state visit will continue as planned unless anything else emerges.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News earlier this morning: "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."

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.

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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.

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.