President Donald Trump avoided answering questions regarding Melania’s response to the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on Sunday, April 26, the US president discussed the incident where a gunman intruded the Washington Hilton.
While conversing with Norah O’Donnell, Trump touched on Melania’s “rather traumatic experience” during the previous night but maintained a reserved demeanor throughout the conversation. O’Donnell inquired about Melania’s reaction, to which Trump mentioned that anyone would feel alarmed in such a situation, hinting that Melania recognized the severity of the event.
Reviewing the footage before the interview, Trump remembered observing his wife appearing distressed by the unfolding events. As the dinner guests were enjoying their salad course, gunshots interrupted the evening, leading to attendees seeking shelter under tables. Trump and Melania were engaged in conversation with Karoline Leavitt and CBS’s Weijia Jiang when the chaos erupted. Trump and JD Vance were quickly escorted away from the stage, with the president later showcasing footage of the gunman’s apprehension.
During his subsequent briefing, Trump commended Melania for her composed reaction under pressure, acknowledging the swift response to the gunshot sound. The Secret Service swiftly intervened as the room went into lockdown following the gunshots, resuming the event after roughly an hour.
The evening proceeded normally at 9pm (2am UK time) as Jiang, the White House Correspondents’ Association president, resumed the program, inviting guests back to their seats. The gunman, identified as 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen, was arrested and charged for using a firearm during a violent crime and assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.