AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas lawmakers are speaking out after a man charged through the hotel where President Trump was set to speak with media from around the nation.
President Trump, first lady Melania Trump and the Cabinet were evacuated from the White House Correspondents Dinner at the Washington Hilton on Saturday night shortly after shots rang out.
Video from the incident shows the president being taken away quickly by the Secret Service.
One person is in custody in connection with the incident at the Washington Hilton hotel, and he will be arraigned on two charges, Jeanine Pirro, U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., said.
The suspect charged at a Secret Service checkpoint in the hotel’s lobby, armed with multiple weapons, D.C. police said.
The suspect then exchanged gunfire with law enforcement and was tackled, police said.
A Secret Service agent was struck in his bulletproof vest and was at the hospital.
Lawmakers weigh in
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
“Prayers have been answered for the safety of President Trump, the First Lady, cabinet members, and all guests at the event,” Abbott said. “Many thanks to the U.S. Secret Service for their swift, decisive action to neutralize the threat and protect all in attendance. May God continue to bless and protect our great nation.”
Texas House Rep. Gina Hinojosa
“I am relieved this morning that the WHCD shooter was apprehended before anyone was seriously hurt and thankful that the President is safe,” Hinojosa said. “Violence is never the answer and only serves to make us more broken.”
Sen. John Cornyn
“Praise God that POTUS and VP are safe,” Cornyn said in an X post. “Grateful for law enforcement, who quickly took down the threat. Pray for our nation.”
Sen. Ted Cruz
On X, Cruz posted an American Flag emoji with the hands praying emoji, above a post from President Trump.
KXAN has reached out to a number of Texas Lawmakers and will update this story once we hear back.