Republicans throw support behind Trump’s ballroom after WHCA dinner shooting

Support for President Donald Trump’s White House ballroom has surged among Republicans after a gunman opened fire at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner Saturday, with the president and lawmakers arguing it is necessary given increased political violence.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Monday the structure would be a “safe environment” for events. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) told Fox Business that constructing the ballroom is “imperative.” And Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) called the project “common sense.”

Trump was rushed from the annual dinner at the Washington Hilton following the sounds of gunshots just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Vice President JD Vance and other Cabinet members were also evacuated from the scene, as members of the media and their guests huddled under tables for safety.

A Secret Service officer was shot in his armored vest and briefly hospitalized, but administration officials have said the agent is doing well and is already out of the hospital.