Secret Service Director Sean Curran defended the agency's response to a shooting incident that occurred during the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April, emphasizing that the protocols in place functioned as intended. The incident involved an alleged shooter who struck an officer at a Secret Service checkpoint on a level above the main event before being apprehended.
"That is the success. That is why we set up checkpoints," Curran said Wednesday. "That is why we have our teams, our special teams, in place because we do plan for that, and that’s the reality. We do expect bad people to show up. It’s just a reality of where we are."
The suspect faced charges including attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, illegal firearm transportation, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
The White House Correspondents' Association is scheduled to honor Secret Service police officer Victor Gonzales and the staff of the Washington Hilton, the venue for the previous dinner, with the President’s Award for Exceptional Service.
"The WHCA is deeply grateful that law enforcement officials prevented the armed suspect from entering the ballroom," WHCA president Weijia Jiang stated. "Officer Gonzales played a significant role when he ran toward danger so that thousands of others could make it home safely. His courage stemmed from a dedication to service, which we are looking forward to honoring this week."