‘Didn’t want to look 20 pounds heavier’: Trump slams reports of wearing bulletproof vest during White House dinner attack
US President Donald Trump on Thursday denied reports that he may have been wearing a bulletproof vest following an assassination attempt at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner event.Trump joked during an interview with reporters that he didn’t want to look “20 pounds” heavier. “I don’t know if I could stand looking 20 pounds heavier. These guys, they look a lot like some of them, some of them are physical specimens,” he said.He added that while such precautions are sometimes considered, he does not support the idea of appearing overly protective.“I guess it’s something you think about. In a way, you don’t like doing it because you give in to bad elements. I have no idea. But I’ve been asked that question,” Trump said.Asked if he was nervous about the possibility of another attack, Trump said he avoided thinking about it. “I don’t think about it,” he said.He added: “If I did that, I wouldn’t be very good here. I would just think about that. I wouldn’t think about it. I really wouldn’t think about it. If I did, I wouldn’t be efficient.”The comments come amid reports and speculation about security measures after what authorities say was a serious attack at a White House dinner.The incident occurred during the high-profile rally when a gunman allegedly stormed the venue armed with a weapon, sparking a security response that caused Trump to storm off the stage and spark chaos.The shooting sparked panic and sent guests running for cover after the suspect, Cole Tomas Allen, allegedly entered the venue armed with a gun and a knife, according to officials. Trump was safely evacuated during the incident.Authorities charged Allen with attempted assassination and other crimes.Officials are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack and are also reviewing electronic evidence and online posts linked to the suspect.Despite the seriousness of the incident, Trump insisted he would not dwell on the personal security threat and said he preferred to remain focused on his duties.
