US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on Sunday, 4 May 2025, that the suspect behind last week's shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington had a "premeditated" plan to kill President Donald Trump, citing forensic, video, and digital evidence gathered by investigators. The suspect is currently in custody, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Key Developments in the Case

Pirro stated that forensic and video evidence directly links the suspect to the attack on a Secret Service officer during the event held at the Washington Hilton. "It is definitively his bullet," she said, noting that a pellet from the suspect's shotgun was recovered from the officer's protective vest. The suspect was described as heavily armed, carrying a shotgun, handgun, knives, and other tools. "This guy thought he was Rambo... he was armed to the teeth," Pirro said.

What Investigators Found

According to Pirro, investigators built their case on both the suspect's physical actions and digital evidence tracking his movements in the lead-up to the event. She said the suspect began planning the attack as soon as Trump publicly announced his attendance at the dinner. "As soon as this President said that he was going to be at the Hilton for the White House Correspondents' Dinner... he then made the decision to hatch the plan," she said. Investigators also found that the suspect monitored the President's movements in real time, including tracking when Trump would arrive and be seated.

Authorities released surveillance footage showing the suspect moving through the hotel, entering a room to remove a coat used to conceal a weapon, before approaching the event area. "He comes out like a bat out of hell to start to approach," Pirro said. She added that more video evidence will be released as the case progresses, including footage from areas not yet made public.

Pirro Addresses Recusal Calls and Defence Strategy

Pirro firmly rejected suggestions that she should recuse herself from the case on account of being present at the event. "There is no way," she said, noting that thousands of people attended and her presence does not compromise her role as prosecutor. She also dismissed political rhetoric and conspiracy theories surrounding the attack, insisting the case rests entirely on evidence. "All of this other stuff is noise... follow the evidence, follow the facts," she said.

On the question of the suspect's mental state — a likely line of defence — Pirro was unequivocal. "This guy... is far from insane. He is brilliant... very, very lucid and clear," she said, adding that prosecutors are confident they can prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt.

Security Implications and What Comes Next

The White House Correspondents' Dinner has long been regarded as a high-security event, drawing political leaders, journalists, and senior officials. This attack, occurring amid heightened political tensions in the United States, has prompted analysts to call for renewed reviews of security arrangements and risk assessments for major political gatherings. Prosecutors are preparing for further court proceedings, including a preliminary hearing, with Pirro confirming that additional evidence will be presented as the case moves forward.