'Discussions' at Buckingham Palace over security for King's US visit after Trump dinner shooting

Discussions are under way over security for the King's upcoming US visit after gunshots were fired at a dinner with Donald Trump, Buckingham Palace has said.

The US president and his wife, Melania Trump, were rushed out of the White House correspondents' dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Washington DC on Saturday night after gunshots rang out.

Trump latest: President rushed to safety after gunfire at dinner

The assailant, who reportedly opened fire near the entrance to the ballroom, was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. He has been named as 31-year-old Cole Thomas Allen, from Torrance, California.

An officer was struck but was saved by a bulletproof vest, Mr Trump, said. Nobody else was injured.

King Charles is travelling to the US for a four-day state visit on Monday, with the incident raising questions about his and the Queen's safety.

Buckingham Palace on Sunday lunchtime said a "number of discussions" are taking place today with the White House to determine "what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the visit."

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson added: "His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first lady and all guests have been unharmed."

Read more:
The people who have tried to kill Donald Trump
What we know about suspected gunman

The King and Queen are understood to have reached out privately to Mr and Mrs Trump to express their sympathies with all affected and their gratitude to the security services for preventing further injuries.

Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister, told Sky News on Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that UK security services "obviously remain in close cooperation" over the King's visit.

He said Sir Keir Starmer sent a message to the president this morning in solidarity over the incident and said British Embassy staff and other Brits who were there "are very grateful to the US Secret Service for the action that they took".

Mr Trump said on Friday that he intends to raise topics including Iran, ‌NATO and the United Kingdom's digital services tax when the King visits.

The monarch's ⁠visit will mark the 250th anniversary of US independence from Britain and he ‌will make stops in Virginia and New York, as well as the capital where he will deliver an address to Congress.

The visit also comes as relations between the ⁠two countries are at what some have been saying is their worst since the Suez ​Crisis in 1956, with repeated criticism ​by Mr Trump of Sir ​Keir Starmer over his refusal to join the US ⁠attack on Iran and dismissive remarks about Britain's military capabilities.

A number of politicians and commentators have called for Sir Keir to call off the visit.

(c) Sky News 2026: 'Discussions' at Buckingham Palace over security for King's US visit after Trump dinner shooting