“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century,” Jiang said. “When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment.”
“We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for,” she continued.
On April 25, a gunman charged a security checkpoint to the annual event and exchanged fire with officers before he was apprehended. The gunfire sparked panic and confusion in the ballroom, where the event was taking place; President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance were escorted off the stage by the Secret Service and others in attendance ducked under their tables.
The suspect, who authorities identified as Cole Tomas Allen, is facing multiple charges, including attempting to assassinate the President. Via his lawyers, he pleaded not guilty to all charges last month.
