King’s US State Visit to Proceed After DC Shooting

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III and Queen Camilla will continue with their planned state visit to the United States, despite security concerns raised by a shooting incident in Washington, DC. The palace said on Sunday that the four-day visit would go ahead “as planned” following discussions between British and US officials throughout the day. Some adjustments are expected to be made to parts of the programme for security reasons.

Get today's headlines by email

The incident occurred on Saturday night when a gunman attempted to enter the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at a Washington hotel. Authorities say the suspect fired several shots near a security checkpoint before being detained.

US officials believe the attacker was likely targeting Donald Trump, who was attending the event.

Security concerns after shooting

The palace said the King was “greatly relieved” to learn that the US president, Melania Trump and other guests had not been harmed.

It is understood that the King and Queen privately contacted the Trumps to express sympathy for those affected by the incident.

The suspect, identified by US media as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was arrested at the scene. During the confrontation, one US Secret Service agent was shot but survived because his bullet-proof vest stopped the round. No other injuries were reported.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said he was “very confident” that the British monarch would be safe during the upcoming visit. Speaking to NBC News, Blanche said the events of Saturday night demonstrated that US security systems were functioning effectively.

Even before the shooting, preparations for the royal visit had included extensive security arrangements. Officials are now expected to review those plans and implement additional measures.

Programme may see minor changes

Buckingham Palace said there had already been discussions about how the incident might affect operational planning for the trip.

The palace statement thanked officials who had worked quickly on both sides of the Atlantic and said the King and Queen were “looking forward to the visit getting under way tomorrow”.

While the visit will proceed, some events could be modified. Planned engagements include an address to both houses of Congress, a visit to the 9/11 memorial in New York, and a wreath-laying ceremony in Virginia honouring US and UK service members who died in combat.

Political backdrop to the visit

The visit takes place amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Reports have suggested the US may reconsider its position on British sovereignty over the Falkland Islands, while Trump has criticised the UK government and other allies over their response to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Despite those disagreements, Trump has spoken warmly about the British monarch. In an interview with the BBC earlier in the week, the president said he had known the King for many years and suggested the visit could help strengthen relations between the two countries.

UK leaders respond

British political leaders also reacted to the Washington shooting.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he had offered his “best wishes” to Trump and the first lady following what he described as “shocking scenes”. During a phone call on Sunday, he expressed relief that the couple were safe and wished the injured Secret Service officer a swift recovery.

Opposition figures likewise condemned the violence. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said political violence must be rejected, while Nigel Farage of Reform UK said it was a relief that no lives had been lost.

Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it was essential that security arrangements for the royal visit were fully reviewed to ensure the monarch’s protection.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 April 2026