US Attorney Pirro says Trump was the target in White House press dinner attack
Washington, May 3 (IANS) US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on Sunday that the suspect in last week’s shooting at a Washington event had a “premeditated” plan to kill President Donald Trump, citing evidence gathered by investigators.
Pirro noted that forensic and video evidence directly links the suspect to the attack on a Secret Service officer during the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
“It is definitively his bullet,” she said, adding that a pellet from the suspect’s shotgun was recovered from the vest of the officer.
She described the attack as deliberate and planned.
“This was a premeditated, violent act calculated to take down the President (Trump) and anyone who was in the line of fire,” Pirro said.
According to the US Attorney, investigators have built a case based on both the suspect’s actions and digital evidence tracking his movements leading up to the event.
“As soon as this President said that he was going to be at the Hilton for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner… he then made the decision to hatch the plan,” she said.
She added that the suspect monitored the President’s movements in real time, including checking, when he would arrive and sit down at the event.
“This is clearly the President (Trump) is a target,” Pirro said.
She added that investigators also recovered weapons and equipment that indicated preparation for a large-scale attack.
She described the suspect as heavily armed, carrying a shotgun, handgun, knives and other tools.
“This guy thought he was Rambo… he was armed to the teeth,” she said.
Authorities have also released surveillance footage showing the suspect moving through the hotel, including entering a room to remove a coat used to conceal a weapon before approaching the event area.
“He comes out like a bat out of hell to start to approach,” Pirro said.
She added that additional video evidence will be released as the case moves forward, including footage from areas not yet made public.
“There will be more video,” Pirro said, adding that prosecutors are preparing for further court proceedings, including a preliminary hearing.
Pirro rejected suggestions that she should recuse herself from the case despite being present at the event.
“There is no way,” she said, noting that thousands attended and her presence does not affect her role as prosecutor.
She also dismissed speculation surrounding political rhetoric or conspiracy theories about the attack, saying the case rests on evidence.
“All of this other stuff is noise… follow the evidence, follow the facts,” Pirro said.
She added that prosecutors are confident they can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, including countering any defence claims about the suspect’s mental state.
“This guy… is far from insane. He is brilliant… very, very lucid and clear,” she said.
The shooting occurred amid heightened political tensions and ongoing security concerns surrounding public events involving the President.
Authorities have said the suspect is in custody and further legal proceedings are underway.
The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has long been considered a high-security event, drawing political leaders, journalists and officials. Past incidents involving threats to public figures have led to increased scrutiny of security protocols at such gatherings.
Analysts say the latest attack attempt could prompt renewed reviews of security arrangements and risk assessments for major political events in the United States.
–IANS
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