Trump Says Officer Got Protected by Vest During Washington Security Shooting

(MENAFN) Donald Trump stated that an officer was shot during a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C. on Saturday night, but survived because protective gear prevented a fatal injury, according to reports.

Speaking at a news conference, he said the officer was struck at close range but was wearing a bullet-resistant vest that absorbed the impact.

"One officer was shot, but saved by the fact that he was wearing a obviously, a very good bulletproof vest.
"He was shot from very close distance with a very powerful gun, and the vest did the job. I just spoke to the officer, and he's doing great. He's in great shape,"

He added that the officer had since spoken with him and was recovering well.

The incident occurred after Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated from the event due to a security alert at the venue.

The former president also used the briefing to argue that the situation underscored the need for a more secure facility at the White House, referencing an ongoing construction project for a new ballroom designed for high-security events.

"It's not a particularly secure building, and I didn't want to say this, but this is why we have to have all of the attributes of what we're planning at the White House. It's actually a larger room, and it's much more secure. It's drone proof, it's bulletproof glass. We need the ballroom. That's why Secret Service, that's why the military are demanding it,"

He further claimed the suspect was armed with multiple weapons and described him as mentally unstable, stating the individual was originally from California.

Authorities have not yet released a full verified account of the incident, and investigations remain ongoing.

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