WASHINGTON – White House Correspondents’ Association President Weijia Chiang on Sunday thanked law enforcement for helping escort reporters, government officials and other guests to safety after a shooting at the Washington Hilton, where the annual dinner was held.
“Last night’s shooting at the Washington Hilton was a tragic moment for everyone present,” Jiang said in a statement. “We express our deepest gratitude to the U.S. Secret Service and all law enforcement officers who ensure the safety of everyone inside and outside the ballroom.”
She added: “Their actions protected thousands of guests, and we wish the officer who was injured in the line of duty a speedy recovery. We are grateful that no one present was injured, including the President, First Lady and Vice President.”
President Donald Trump and other top White House officials were safely evacuated from the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday after a man armed with multiple weapons opened fire outside a hotel ballroom.
“Our dinner is a celebration of the First Amendment and the hard work of journalists who defend it every day,” said Jiang, CBS News’ senior White House correspondent.
“Last night, these reporters showed the calmness and courage required to do their job, diving into the story as soon as it happened. We are proud of everyone in the room,” she continued.
Trump said he hopes events can continue as planned once the area is cleared.
“I really wanted to go ahead, I really wanted to, but the protocol didn’t, you know, once the door opened, that room was sealed,” Trump told Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing.”
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
