US President Donald Trump said a shooting incident that disrupted the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner would not affect his administration’s military stance toward Iran, as investigators continued probing the attacker’s motive.

Gunfire broke out late Saturday at the annual media event in Washington, prompting a swift evacuation of Trump and other senior officials. Authorities later confirmed that a lone suspect was apprehended, and no major injuries were reported.

Speaking to reporters at the White House following the incident, Trump dismissed any immediate connection between the attack and the ongoing conflict with Tehran. “It’s not going to deter me from winning the war in Iran,” he said, adding that initial findings suggested the shooting was likely unrelated.

However, the US leader acknowledged uncertainty over the motive, saying, "You never know,” while emphasizing that investigators were treating the suspect as a “lone wolf.”

According to AFP, the shooting occurred near a security checkpoint at the Washington Hilton hotel, where the annual dinner was being held, triggering panic among attendees before law enforcement secured the scene.

The incident came amid heightened tensions following nearly two months of conflict between the United States and Iran. Earlier in the day, Trump canceled a planned visit by US envoys to Pakistan aimed at facilitating indirect talks with Tehran, citing dissatisfaction with Iran’s negotiating position.

Officials said the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine whether the attack had any political or international links.

BOB Post