President Donald Trump has suggested that the threats against him may be linked to the impact he believes he has made, following a shooting scare at a high-profile media dinner in the US capital.
Diaspora Digital Media reported that gunfire briefly disrupted the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, forcing security officials to quickly move Trump and other top guests out of the venue.
No major injuries were reported, and the suspect is now in custody.
Speaking afterward, Trump took a reflective tone when asked why he thought he continued to be targeted.
“I’ve looked into past assassinations,” he said. “It’s often the people who make the biggest impact that become targets.”
He pointed to Abraham Lincoln as an example, suggesting that leaders who leave a mark on history tend to attract strong opposition.
“We’ve made big changes in this country,” Trump added. “And not everyone is happy about that.”
The president said the latest incident would not change how he lives or leads.
While acknowledging the risks that come with the office, he maintained that he continues to go about his routine without letting fear take over.
He also raised concerns about security at the Washington Hilton, where the event was held, describing it as less secure than it should be for such a gathering.
Trump used the moment to again push for a new, more secure event space at the White House.
In a rare shift in tone, he noted that the incident appeared to bring people together, including members of the media he has often criticised.
“There was a lot of unity in the room afterward,” he said.
The shooting scare adds to a growing list of security incidents involving Trump, who survived an assassination attempt during the 2024 campaign.
Investigations into Saturday’s attack are ongoing, and the suspect is expected in court soon.
