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King will have 'appropriate security' for US trip, minister says
TL;DR
The King's upcoming state visit to the US will have enhanced security measures due to recent gunfire incidents at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. UK officials are coordinating closely with US authorities to ensure the King's safety.
Key points
- The King's state visit to the US will have enhanced security.
- Shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.
- UK and US officials are coordinating on security measures.
Mentioned in this story
Darren JonesChris PhilpDonald TrumpMelania Trump
The King's state visit to the US will have "appropriate security in place in relation to the risk", a minister has told the BBC after shots were fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said the government and Buckingham Palace had been in "close co-operation" with US officials before the trip, which begins on Monday.
"Further discussions will take place today ahead of next week," Jones told BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated from the dinner in Washington DC on Saturday night after a man rushed past a checkpoint and shots were fired.
Speaking later on the same programme as Jones, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said it was "vital" to ensure the King is properly protected and urged security for the monarch to be "urgently reviewed overnight" by the US and UK security teams.
"But we should not be considering cancelling the trip and allow violence to stop the continuation of politics and diplomatic relations", he added.
Video from the event at shows the US Vice President J D Vance and Trump being evacuated off the stage by armed officers.
Trump later told reporters that one Secret Service agent was shot at very close range, but was saved by his bullet-proof vest.
The Secret Service, which among other duties protects the president and other key people, confirmed there were no other injuries and said one person had been taken into custody.
The 31-year-old suspect is from Torrance in the Los Angeles region, California, police said.
Sir Keir Starmer said on X he was shocked by the incident and that it was a relief everyone attending the event, including Trump and the first lady Melania, was safe.
"Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms" he added.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be hosted by the president on the four-day trip - the first UK state visit to the US since Elizabeth II's in 2007.
Q&A
What security measures are being taken for the King's US visit?
The government and Buckingham Palace are implementing 'appropriate security' measures in collaboration with US officials to address potential risks.
What incident prompted increased security for the King's trip to the US?
Increased security measures were prompted by shots fired at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were evacuated.
Who is responsible for the King's security during his visit to the US?
The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, stated that both the UK government and Buckingham Palace are working closely with US security teams to ensure the King's protection.
