President Donald Trump avoided addressing inquiries about Melania’s response to the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on April 26, Trump discussed the night when a gunman entered the Washington Hilton.
When asked by Norah O’Donnell about both his and Melania’s reactions, Trump acknowledged Melania’s “rather traumatic experience” but was reserved in his responses. Referring to Melania’s alarmed expression, Trump mentioned, “Well, I don’t want to say, and people don’t like having it said that they were scared, but certainly. I mean, who wouldn’t be when you have a situation like that?” He added that Melania realized the seriousness of the situation.
Trump mentioned that upon reviewing the footage before the interview, he observed Melania looking upset about the incident. The shooting occurred as guests were having dinner, with Trump and Melania engaging in a conversation when gunshots rang out. They were swiftly moved to safety, and Trump later showed footage of the gunman being subdued.
Praising Melania’s calmness under pressure, Trump thanked her for her response during the crisis. He highlighted Melania’s quick reaction to the gunshot, noting that she recognized the situation immediately. The Secret Service swiftly intervened as the room went into lockdown following the incident.
The event resumed after an hour, with guests returning to their seats as normal. The gunman, identified as Cole Allen, a 31-year-old California teacher, was apprehended and faces charges related to the incident.