Buckingham Palace yesterday confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit to the US will continue as planned, following a shooting on Saturday at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“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 palace said in a statement ahead of the royal couple’s trip.
Buckingham Palace said the UK and the US would be having conversations about security planning for Charles’ state visit to the US this week, while President Donald Trump acknowledged that the visit was still happening.
“I’m very confident that Their Majesties will have the very best security throughout their visit,” said the British ambassador to the United States, Christian Turner, during an interview on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
The US president and top officials were rushed to safety after gunfire was heard outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton Saturday evening as the press gala was underway. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the suspect “got off a few shots” before he was subdued by law enforcement near a staircase leading to the ballroom.
Sources say the suspect has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California. He’s expected to appear in court Monday, according to the US attorney for DC.
