Trump Says Shooting Near Correspondents' Dinner Began 50 Yards Away, Vows Not to Yield

President Donald Trump held a news conference after the shooting linked to the White House Correspondents' Dinner, detailing the incident, the security response and plans to resume the event.

At an April 25 briefing at the White House, Trump said an armed suspect carrying multiple weapons rushed toward a secure area. The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies responded "very quickly and bravely," he said. The suspect was subdued and taken into custody.

Trump said the shooting began outside the event venue, not inside it. He said he heard gunfire from about 50 yards away and initially thought a tray had fallen. Within seconds, security personnel moved him after it became clear the noise was gunfire. "There was no time to think," he said. "You had to move immediately."

First Lady Melania Trump also recognized the danger right away, Trump said. "The first lady knew immediately that it was not a good situation," he said.

One law enforcement officer was shot during the response, but body armor prevented life-threatening injuries. Trump said he had spoken directly with the officer and that the officer was "doing very well."

Investigators are focusing on the suspect's identity and motive. Trump said the suspect was a California resident and that authorities were searching the person's home. He added that investigators would soon determine whether anyone else was involved.

The Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are reviewing multiple charges, including firearms offenses and illegal weapons possession. Formal charges are expected soon.

Reporters also questioned Trump about the response and the security setup at the venue. He called the speed of the security response "very impressive" and said officers had already drawn their weapons as the suspect approached. "We're not going to let something like this stop an event or make us shrink back," he said. "We will not yield to these threats."

Trump also reiterated his intention to resume the event. "The show must go on," he said. Although the April 25 event could not proceed as planned, he said it would be held again within 30 days "bigger and better." He added that the shooting would not be allowed to change how Americans live or hold public events.

Trump said the incident also underscored the need for stronger security. The current venue, he said, could not be considered fully secure and required tougher security equipment and facilities.

He also used the incident to urge a reduction in political tensions. Trump said Republicans, Democrats and independents all came together after the shooting and called for differences to be resolved peacefully.

The shooting took place at the Washington Hilton, the same venue where former President Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.