President Donald Trump avoided discussing Melania’s reaction to the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. In a recent interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes on April 26, the US president reflected on the events of the previous evening when a gunman entered the Washington Hilton.
During the interview, Norah O’Donnell inquired about both the president’s and the first lady’s responses. While Trump did mention Melania’s “rather traumatic experience” that night, he was cautious in his responses. When asked if Melania was scared, Trump acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating that anyone would feel alarmed in such circumstances.
Reviewing the footage before the interview, Trump observed his wife’s distress, noting her reaction to the unfolding events. The evening of the incident, as guests were in the midst of the dinner, gunshots interrupted the gathering. Trump and Melania were seen conversing with Karoline Leavitt and CBS’s Weijia Jiang before the chaos ensued. Following the gunshots, attendees sought shelter under tables, and Trump, along with JD Vance, was swiftly escorted away from the stage.
Later, Trump held a press briefing where he shared footage of the gunman’s confrontation with security. He praised Melania for her composed reaction under pressure, acknowledging the swift response to the situation.
Melania’s quick response to the gunshot sound was noted by Trump, who initially mistook it for a tray while she immediately recognized the danger. The Secret Service acted promptly upon hearing the commotion, leading to a lockdown of the premises for about an hour after the incident.
Normalcy resumed at 9 pm, with Jiang delivering a speech and inviting guests to return to their seats. The gunman, identified as 31-year-old California teacher Cole Allen, was apprehended and charged with firearm use during a violent crime and assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.