The assassination attempt against Trump at this hour raises many questions about the protocols and security measures surrounding the US Presidency, with the first criticisms of those responsible sure to intensify as the hours pass.
And the incident occurs on the eve of an event as significant as the State visit of King Charles III and Camilla to the US, which, given the circumstances, will require an even more heightened security presence that always surrounds these high-level diplomatic meetings. All visits by foreign leaders to the United States follow protocols managed by the same Secret Service that evacuated Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, last night and apprehended the shooter, along with officials from federal agencies. Although British agents are also involved in the security plans, directly responsible for the monarch's safety. Naturally, security measures intensify according to the level of threats surrounding the trips. This is what will happen on Monday with the arrival of the British monarchs in Washington D.C., where sensitive elements are added to an already delicate trip across the pond, within the framework of commemorations for the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, and at a time when bilateral relations between the White House and Downing Street are particularly tense, among other reasons due to disagreements over the war in Iran.
The trip will proceed as planned, as just confirmed by Trump himself. "The king will come. He is a great guy, and we look forward to his visit. He is a fantastic person, an extraordinary and very brave representative," he said. "We will have a great time. And he represents his nation like no one else can," Trump added.
During State visits like that of the kings, no-fly zones and temporary road closures are established in key areas, particularly in Washington D.C. This will also happen in New York, where Charles III and his consort will visit on Wednesday. In the Big Apple, they will participate in sensitive moments such as their visit to the 9/11 Memorial or a meeting announced this past weekend with the new mayor of the city, Zohran Mamdani.
Concern has grown in London regarding the development of the State visit. The Palace reported that "several meetings will be held throughout the day to discuss with our American colleagues and respective teams to what extent the events of Saturday night may or may not affect the operational planning of the visit."
This Sunday, regarding the events at the correspondents' dinner with the Trumps, Barry Donadio, a former agent of the United States Secret Service, told LBC radio: "They will send an advance team from their country to the United States, which will work hand in hand and meet all the necessary requirements for the king. We are providing all our support. I wouldn't worry about his visit."
From Buckingham Palace, a statement was released in the morning highlighting that "the king is greatly relieved to know that President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania, and all the dinner guests are unharmed." Darren Jones, chief secretary to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stated on Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "These are extraordinary scenes. This morning, the Prime Minister sent a message to the President of the United States in solidarity with the events that occurred."
If nothing changes, Charles III and Camilla will arrive in Washington on Monday afternoon. Although the official visit will begin on Tuesday morning. Such is the importance given to the trip that Donald Trump and Melania will indeed receive their guests as a courtesy gesture on Monday at the White House. The greeting will take place at the famous South Portico, where the first photograph will be taken, and then the two couples will share a tea. Afterwards, Trump is expected to show the Kings the expanded Ballroom.
On Tuesday morning, the President and First Lady of the US will host a State Welcome Ceremony in the White House garden, following the same protocol established in the late 18th century. The national anthems of both countries will be played, and military honors will be rendered to Charles III. The President will deliver an initial speech to his guests.
The morning will be filled with meetings, receptions between the two delegations, the customary exchange of gifts, as well as a formal meeting between Trump and the king in the Oval Office.
However, the two most significant events of the historic day will take place later. The first one, the address to the US Congress, in a joint session, that the king will deliver on his first visit as monarch to the US, emphasizing the "shared history" and deep ties that transcend current divisions between the two nations.
And, in the evening, the Trumps will host a State Dinner in the East Room at the White House in honor of the sovereigns of the former metropolis.
All with more nerves than usual on the part of the protocol and security services. Nothing can go wrong.