Journalist Diaz-Balart, who was present at the traditional correspondents' dinner, has shared firsthand details regarding the assassination attempt against US President Donald Trump. According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the shooting occurred at the "Hilton" hotel—the same site where an attempt was made on Ronald Reagan in 1981—involving security forces and 31-year-old California resident Cole Allen.
The journalist, who has attended the event for approximately 15 years, emphasized that security measures at the entrance were significantly weaker this year compared to previous occasions.
According to him, amidst the confusion caused by wind and rain, some individuals were able to enter simply by showing envelopes. Furthermore, it was noted that the metal detectors were not directly managed by the Secret Service. The fact that the suspect was staying at the hotel reportedly facilitated his movements within the building.
At the moment of the incident, those in the hall heard the gunfire clearly. "Five shots were fired. I immediately recognized it as the sound of bullets," said the reporter, who previously covered the civil war in El Salvador. He noted that he did not hide under the table but instead lowered his head to observe the surroundings. Immediately after the shooting, the Speaker of the House was swiftly evacuated. Although it was initially reported that US President Donald Trump wished to continue the event, the program was completely canceled following a decision by the security services.
The Hilton Hotel in Washington D.C. has a long-standing history of hosting high-level political gatherings and has been the subject of intense security protocols since the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. Security for the US President typically involves rigorous multi-agency coordination, including the Secret Service and local law enforcement, to maintain a secure perimeter during public engagements in the capital.
