Monaco’s Prince Albert II has written to the US President following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner that left one Secret Service officer wounded.
Prince Albert II sent an official dispatch to President Donald Trump expressing relief that he and those around him escaped unharmed from Saturday night’s shooting in Washington. “It is with emotion that I learnt of the events which took place last night,” the Prince wrote, describing the incident as an “act of exceptional gravity”.
Trump, the First Lady, and senior administration officials were evacuated from the Washington Hilton after a gunman opened fire at a security checkpoint outside the ballroom where the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner was under way. One Secret Service officer was struck but was protected by a bullet-resistant vest and is expected to recover. No other injuries were reported.
The suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, was arrested at the scene. Investigators found that Allen had clearly stated in writings sent to family members before the shooting that he wanted to target officials in the Trump administration.
Monaco’s response
Writing on behalf of the Monegasque community, Princess Charlene and his family, Prince Albert II told the President he wished “to convey my relief at knowing that you, together with the First Lady and all those in attendance, are safe and unharmed.” He extended “the expression of our solidarity” to Trump, his spouse, and the American people.
The message was addressed directly to the White House and signed by the Prince in his capacity as sovereign of Monaco.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner is an annual Washington tradition bringing together the US president, members of the press corps, and public figures — and this year marked the first time Trump had attended during either of his presidencies, having declined throughout his first term.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti