White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt’s remarks before the White House Correspondents’ Dinner went viral after the shooting disrupted the dinner.Speaking before the dinner, Levitt described the evening as a “classic” Donald Trump,” saying it would be “interesting” and “entertaining,” adding that “there’s going to be some gunfire in the room tonight,” a remark that has since attracted widespread attention. “I’m telling you, he’s ready to roar. The speech tonight is going to be a classic Donald J. Trump speech. It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be entertaining. There’s going to be some gunfire in the room tonight. So everybody should tune in, it’s going to be great,” Levitt said before the event. U.S. President Donald Trump was quickly evacuated from the stage by U.S. Secret Service agents after gunshots rang out at a media gala on Saturday night, with the president later describing the incident as an assassination attempt.Armed security officers opened fire on the suspect, who forced his way through a security checkpoint outside the ballroom, where Trump, first lady Melania Trump, senior administration officials and hundreds of guests had gathered, officials said.When Secret Service agents stormed the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Washington, guests scuttled for cover under tables, sparking panic and creating chaotic scenes at the high-profile event in the nation’s capital.“A man attacked a security checkpoint armed with multiple weapons and he was taken down by some very brave Secret Service members,” Trump said at a press conference at the White House shortly after the incident.Trump said a police officer was shot at close range but did not appear to be seriously injured. He expressed concerns about the venue’s safety, saying it was “not particularly safe.”Trump told a news conference that he initially mistook the sound for a falling pallet before realizing it was gunshots. He added that despite the incident, he still planned to reschedule the media evening within a month.City officials identified the suspect as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, who was expected to be arraigned Monday on gun and assault charges.Authorities said he appeared to be a guest at the hotel and was armed with a shotgun, handgun and knives.
