The White House is conducting a review of security protocols for former U.S. President Donald Trump following a recent shooting incident.
Amid preparations for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, White House officials have emphasized the “essential” need to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This call comes after a man was charged with attempting to assassinate former President Trump at a gala event in Washington, D.C.
A protracted dispute in Congress over funding has resulted in a partial shutdown of the department.
According to legal filings, Cole Tomas Allen, 31, allegedly bypassed a security checkpoint at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Saturday, carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun, and three knives.
Allen did not enter a plea during his court appearance on Monday.
The incident has prompted a comprehensive security review by the White House.
As initially reported by The Telegraph,, external officials responsible for planning the 2026 World Cup in the United States have also voiced concerns.
In a statement provided to BBC Sport, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director for the White House World Cup task force, described the events in Washington, D.C., as a “sobering reminder of the unpredictable threats facing our nation.”
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Giuliani added, “The swift response by law enforcement and Secret Service agents saved lives, but the chaos underscored the critical need for a fully operational Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring America’s security is ready to meet any challenge.
“As we prepare for the unprecedented scale of the FIFA World Cup, with millions of visitors and dozens of major events across the country, reopening DHS is essential.
“We cannot afford complacency – the stakes are simply too high.”
The DHS shutdown, which impacts a significant portion of the security operations for the tournament in the U.S., has persisted for nine weeks. Earlier this month, officials cautioned that the shutdown has affected preparations and hindered coordination between local and federal agencies.
The disagreement stems from Democrats’ opposition to funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—which falls under the DHS—without reforms, following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis in January.
On Monday, former President Trump urged Republicans in Congress to reach an agreement on legislation by the start of June., external
This week, Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of host city New York stated, “You’re talking about an international event in the area most targeted for terrorism.
“It is insane that we are in a situation where the department responsible for coordinating the security of this event has been shut down for over 110 days. At a time we’re at war, by the way.”
The 48-team World Cup is scheduled to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.