Trump on Safety Concerns at Washington Hilton

President Trump expressed concerns about the Washington Hilton Hotel’s safety, specifically mentioning the venue for the Washington Correspondents’ Dinner. “We need a banquet hall,” he stated during a press conference that followed reports of gunfire at the hotel, which resulted in the evacuation of him, First Lady Melania Trump, and several Cabinet members.

The President emphasized his desire for heightened security measures, claiming he wants “a level of security that probably no one has ever seen before.” “After considering everything that happened tonight, I can confidently say this isn’t a particularly safe building,” Trump remarked. “I hate to admit this, but that’s why our plans for the White House need to encompass all necessary characteristics.”

He compared the White House ballroom favorably to the current venue, describing it as “a much larger room” that will be “safer” and equipped with “bulletproof glass.”

In related news, a federal appeals court has recently allowed construction on the White House ballroom to continue, following an earlier pause on parts of the $400 million project. It was reported back in October that the east wing of the White House is being demolished to make way for this banquet hall.

Trump’s remarks came in light of the gunfire incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. According to CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, the shooting took place on the upper floor where a dinner party was ongoing. Blitzer mentioned he was extremely close to the shooter and had to be thrown to the ground by law enforcement for his safety, describing the situation as chaotic with the gunman firing randomly.

Following the event, Trump stated that law enforcement had requested attendees to “respectfully leave the premises,” reassuring the public that Melania Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and the entire Cabinet were “in perfect condition.”