British security officials are reviewing plans for King Charles III’s state visit to Washington this week after a gunman opened fire while attempting to storm the White House Correspondents Association Dinner on Saturday night.
President Trump was rushed to safety after the gunman, identified by authorities as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, began shooting. A security officer who was hit with gunfire in his protective vest was later released from a hospital. No other injuries were reported.
Buckingham Palace released a statement saying King Charles was being kept fully informed of the developments and was relieved that the first family and guests at the dinner were unharmed.
“As you would expect, a number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with U.S. 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,” palace officials said.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to arrive Monday in the United States on for a four-day trip that will include a state dinner and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.
“Their Majesties’ program will celebrate the historic connections and the modern bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence,” Buckingham Palace said in a March 31 statement.
British analysts and commentators have identified improving relations between Washington and London as a central, although unofficial, goal of the king’s state visit to the U.S.
Mr. Trump has publicly criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his opposition to U.S. military actions in Iran, even mocking the state of Britain’s armed forces.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.
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