King Charles III’s upcoming state visit to the United States is expected to go on as planned after the shooting at the 2026 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
“His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, first lady and all guests have been unharmed,” a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told Hello! in a Sunday, April 26, statement. “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.”
Charles, 77, and his wife, Queen Camilla, are scheduled to arrive across the pond on Monday, April 26. They will make stops in New York City and Washington, D.C., where they will meet with Trump, 79, before the king addresses Congress. The visit was arranged in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence from the British.
Days before the scheduled visit, Trump attended the WHCA dinner for the first time on Saturday, April 25. Shortly after the event began, gunfire broke out inside the venue. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump and other members of the Trump administration were subsequently evacuated. One Secret Service member was shot during the incident, but his ballistic vest protected him from harm.
“Tonight, a coward attempted to create a national tragedy,” Secret Service director Matthew Quinn wrote in a statement shared via X several hours later. “He underestimated the protective capabilities of the U.S. Secret Service, and was stopped at first contact. The strength of our layered security posture was evident, with a myriad of countermeasures still ahead. Grateful for the brave men and women of the Secret Service and our valued Law Enforcement partners.”
After being taken to safety, Donald issued a statement of his own.
“Quite an evening in D.C. Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely,” Donald wrote via his Truth Social platform on Saturday night. “The shooter has been apprehended, and I have recommended that we ‘LET THE SHOW GO ON’ but, will entirely be guided by Law Enforcement.”
He continued, “They will make a decision shortly. Regardless of that decision, the evening will be much different than planned, and we’ll just, plain, have to do it again.”
The WHCA dinner will be rescheduled to a later date.
