Trump Shrugs Off Shooting Scare, Says "Impactful People" Are Targeted

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said he views repeated threats and incidents of violence around him as a reflection of his “impact,” asserting that he will not allow such dangers to affect his presidency.

His remarks came hours after a shooting incident near the Washington Hilton, where Trump and senior administration officials were attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner. 

Authorities said a suspect ran through a security checkpoint toward the ballroom before being apprehended. The motive and intended target remain unclear.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump reflected on past assassination attempts and the latest scare, saying: “I've studied assassinations, and I must tell you, the most impactful people, the people that do the most ... they're the ones that they go after. And I hate to say I'm honored by that, but I've done a lot.”

The president also referenced Abraham Lincoln while discussing historical precedents of political violence.

Trump said he does not dwell on the risks associated with the presidency, despite surviving an assassination attempt during a 2024 campaign rally and another thwarted plot later that year. 

“It's a dangerous profession, but I don't view it that way. I'm here to do a job,” he said, adding that he remains committed to continuing public engagements without fear.

He also stressed that such incidents should not disrupt public life, saying he did not want “these sick people, these thugs... change the fabric of our life,” and expressed a desire to reschedule the correspondents' dinner within 30 days.

Separately, Trump said a planned diplomatic outreach to Iran had been called off, claiming US envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner would be “wasting too much time.” He added, “If they want to talk, all they have to do is call.”

Iran, however, signalled caution. Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said after talks in Pakistan that Tehran had shared its position on ending the conflict but remained uncertain whether Washington was “truly serious about diplomacy.”

Talks remain stalled despite an extended ceasefire, with tensions persisting over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.

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