WATCH: President Trump speaks at rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner
President Donald Trump shares speech at rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner
President Donald Trump gave a speech at the rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
WASHINGTON - The rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner took place Friday night in the District, hosted under heavily enhanced security measures at the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue, the venue formerly known as the Trump International Hotel.
What we know:
The gathering came after a gunman charged into the previous event in April, which was held at the Washington Hilton. It was President Trump’s first time attending the event while in office.
Law enforcement presence was heavy throughout the area tonight, with surrounding roads blocked off. The Secret Service implemented enhanced safety protocols for the event, which included airport-style screenings for guests and a single designated entrance.
The rescheduled gathering was also quite a bit smaller than the April dinner.
Organizers noted that the decision to reschedule the gala "was not automatic" and was reached only after "thoughtful consideration and input from members."
President Trump attended tonight's event and delivered a speech to the attendees.
Dig deeper:
The security changes came after an alleged gunman, identified as Cole Allen, stormed the dinner while armed and fired a shotgun at a Secret Service officer who tried to intervene.
Rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner held in D.C. under tight security
Rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner held in D.C. under tight security
Officer Victor Gonzalez was struck once in a bulletproof vest and returned fire. No one else was hit during the incident.
Allen remains in custody, with prosecutors saying the security breach was an attempt to assassinate President Trump.
He is facing multiple federal charges, including attempting to kill the president, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and multiple firearm offenses.
In May, he pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to make another court appearance next month.
READ MORE | WHCA Dinner shooting suspect Cole Allen pleads not guilty
The White House Correspondents’ Association presented special awards to Officer Gonzalez and the staff at the Washington Hilton, noting that staff members stayed on duty after the shooting to help guests and preserve the uneaten meals to be donated.
The Source: This information is from Secret Service Police and FOX 5 DC reporting.