King's security for US state visit under scrutiny as shots fired at Trump dinner

The King's security for the US state visit will be scrutinised today after a gunman attempted to storm a Washington dinner attended by Donald Trump . Top minister Darren Jones said discussions were ongoing about the monarch's security ahead of the four-day visit to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. He said: “As you would imagine, with the visit of His Majesty the King this week, our teams are working closely to ensure that security arrangements are put appropriately in place.” Asked if there are any extra concerns for the King’s safety, Mr Jones said: “As you would imagine, the Government and the Palace take the security of His Majesty very seriously, and there were already extensive discussions taking place, which will continue over the coming days.” Pressed on the issue by the BBC , he said: "There will be appropriate security in place in relation to the risk, yes.” Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, said the security for the trip must be “urgently reviewed”. It comes as the US President and First Lady Melania Trump were rushed to safety by Secret Service agents after shots rang out at the glitzy White House correspondents dinner. One agent was shot but saved by his bulletproof vest. The suspect, said to have been carrying a shotgun and handgun, has been identified as Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. He faces charges including assaulting an officer with a dangerous weapon, but acting US attorney general Todd Blanche said additional charges will be filed. The Prime Minister sent a message to Mr Trump in solidarity after the incident overnight. In a statement on X, Mr Starmer said: “Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. “It is a huge relief that POTUS, the First Lady and all those attending are safe.” The high-stakes state visit comes at a fraught moment for the US-UK relationship, with Mr Trump repeatedly lashing out at the Prime Minister over the war in Iran. The US President has criticised the PM for refusing to join his bombing campaign and derided the state of the British Navy. He said Mr Starmer was not Winston Churchill and compared him to Neville Chamberlain. Diplomats hope the state visit could soothe tensions as Mr Trump's love of the Royal Family is well known.