US President Donald Trump addressed the public on Saturday night after a gunman stormed a media event in Washington, marking another assassination attempt against the Republican leader.
KanyiDaily had reported how Secret Service agents quickly moved Trump off the stage when shots were fired during the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner held at the Washington Hilton.
The incident happened at a hotel where Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, top government officials, and hundreds of guests had assembled.
Witnesses said the attacker pushed through a security checkpoint near the ballroom before being confronted.
Armed security officers responded immediately, stopping the suspect and causing panic inside the hall, with guests taking cover under tables as security teams rushed in.
After the suspect was taken into custody, Trump told reporters that it appeared the attacker acted alone, describing the situation as an attempted assassination.
“I ask respectfully, why do you think this keeps happening to you?” a reporter asked Trump after the chaotic incident on Saturday night.
In his response, Trump reflected on history, citing former US President Abraham Lincoln, suggesting that figures who make significant changes often become targets.
“Well, you know, I’ve studied assassinations,” Trump said. “And I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most — you take a look at Abraham Lincoln… the people that make the biggest impact, they’re the ones that they go after.”
“I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot,” Trump added. “We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. So I think that’s the answer.”
The president also referred to a previous attempt on his life during a 2024 campaign rally, noting that despite such incidents, he still considers his daily life relatively normal, even if it carries certain risks.
He added that “I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. A lot of other people, you know, you read stories where they become basket cases. To be honest, I’m not a basket case.”
Trump also struck a calmer tone when speaking about the media, despite past criticism. He noted that the incident had brought people together, with a sense of unity in the aftermath.
He revealed that he had originally planned to deliver a controversial speech at the dinner, but now intends to take a more restrained approach when the event is eventually rescheduled.
The president also used the moment to raise concerns about security at the Washington Hilton, describing the venue as not sufficiently secure.
He linked this to his ongoing plans to build a $400 million ballroom at the White House, which he said would offer a safer alternative for hosting major events.
This is not the first time Trump has faced such threats. In 2024, he was injured during a shooting at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, where a bystander was killed. Later that year, another suspect was arrested near a golf course in Florida after being spotted with a rifle.
KanyiDaily had reported how Donald Trump was escorted off the stage at his rally in Pennsylvania after being shot in the ear during a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024.
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