Donald Trump said a shooting at the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner would not derail US efforts in the ongoing Iran conflict, even as he downplayed any direct connection between the two.
The incident occurred at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, where gunshots prompted Trump’s evacuation. He escaped unhurt. Addressing reporters later, Trump said there was no clear evidence linking the attack to the nearly two-month-long war. The shooter is a 31 year old teacher from California.
“I don’t think so, but you never know,” he said when asked about a possible Iran connection. “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran.”
Authorities have arrested a suspect described as a “lone wolf,” identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen. According to Trump, the attacker charged a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and fired at a Secret Service agent, whose bulletproof vest prevented serious injury.
“He was about 50 yards away, moving fast,” Trump said, adding that the gala dinner was subsequently cancelled. Investigators are still working to establish the motive.
Pakistan Talks Scrapped
Separately, Trump announced the cancellation of a planned visit by US officials to Pakistan for talks with Iran, citing dissatisfaction with Tehran’s negotiating stance.
“We have all the cards. There’s no point making long trips to talk about nothing,” he said, adding that Iran quickly sent a revised proposal after the visit was called off.
The White House had earlier indicated that envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner would travel to Pakistan to advance discussions.
Trump later suggested that the cancellation did not necessarily signal renewed hostilities. “We haven’t thought about it yet,” he said, while also claiming internal divisions within Iran’s leadership.
His remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi concluded a visit to Islamabad, where he met Pakistan’s top leadership, including Army Chief Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The conflict, currently under a ceasefire, began on February 28 following coordinated strikes by the US and Israel on Iran. Tehran has since retaliated with attacks targeting Israel, American bases, and Gulf states.
Also Read: Will US Seek Peace With Iran Or Bomb Again?https://www.vibesofindia.com/will-us-seek-peace-with-iran-or-bomb-again/
