The first day of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit to the US came with some precautions from President Donald Trump.
On Wednesday, the British monarch commenced his planned four-day state visit. However, the timing of the royals’ arrival, which follows the shocking shooting that took place in Washington, has Trump on edge
Hence, the president couldn’t help but delve into the details of the dramatic night where chaos broke out.
Donald Trump Spills About WHCD Shooting To King Charles III
As King Charles and Queen Camilla landed in the US, they were welcomed by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the South Lawn of the White House.
While exchanging pleasantries, the Republican wasted no time bringing up heavy topics ranging from the shooting to political tension with Russia’s leader as a form of small talk.
Although the conversation wasn’t audible to the public, a lip reader dished on the details of their conversation. Trump reportedly told Charles, “This shooting…,” to which the monarch responded, “I’d rather not stand about here too long. I feel I shouldn’t be here.”
After the president criticized Charles’ response as “not a good thing,” he then addressed his reaction to the shooting, saying, “I wasn’t prepared, but now I am prepared.”
On Saturday night, the president, his wife, the vice president, and several political powerhouses had to be evacuated from the Washington Hilton hotel after gunshots were fired during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Trump Brings Up Possible War With Russia
As though the shooting wasn’t uncomfortable enough, the lip reader told the Daily Mail that Trump then switched the topic to talk about President Vladimir Putin.
He revealed to King Charles that he is in contact with the Russian world leader who “wants war.” However, the royal shut it down, telling Trump the sensitive topic would be discussed later.
However, “The Apprentice” alum didn’t budge, still talking about Putin. “I’ve got a feeling… if he did what he said, he will wipe out the population,” he reportedly cautioned, but King Charles remained persistent about taking the discussion off the camera.
The President Gushes About White House Renovation
It seems Trump finally caught the drift that King Charles wasn’t interested in discussing such serious subjects and switched the conversation to his ongoing White House ballroom construction.
He asked the royal if he would like to see the ballroom, to which the king laughingly replied, “I’m sure you shall show us.”
The foursome then proceeded to enjoy some tea in the White House’s Green Room, after which they enjoyed an exhibition of the White House’s beehive.
Donald Trump Assured The King And Queen’s Safety In The US
It comes as no surprise that the WHCD shooting was discussed, given that it posed great uncertainty to the King’s long-planned visit.
However, following the shooting, Trump was quick to dispel all fear, promising that the rare security breach would have no effect on the royal’s presence in the United States.
As reported by The Blast, he told reporters that he promised King Charles and Queen Camilla would be “very safe.” Trump also noted that the royals are expected to spend some days on the White House grounds before visiting other locations.
Prior to the president’s statement, the monarch addressed the shooting, expressing relief that the Trumps were safe and no one was killed or harmed during the incident.
WHCD Shooter Faces Three Criminal Charges
As Trump focuses on the royals’ visit, behind the scenes, justice has already begun against the alleged WHCD shooter. Identified as Cole Tomas Allen, the suspect, who has remained in custody since the incident, had his first court appearance on Monday.
Per The Blast, Allen, who was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump, did not enter a plea during his first hearing. His other charges include assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and the use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
However, a preliminary hearing date was set for May 11. Before that, he will have a hearing to determine his eligibility for a partial release.
According to reports, the suspect embarked on a train from his residence near Los Angeles. He first headed to Chicago, then to Washington, checking into the Hilton just two hours after he arrived.
As more details are unveiled about the motive behind Allen’s actions, he has been described as a strong anti-Trump critic who has attended at least one “No Kings” rally in the past year.