White House Correspondents Association Plans New Dinner for July 24 With Heightened Security

The White House Correspondents Association plans to make a new attempt to hold its annual awards dinner after the first was interrupted by a potential assassination attempt against President Donald Trump.

Weijia Jiang, president of the organization, said in a letter to members Tuesday that a rescheduled event will be slated for Friday, July 24.

“The White House Correspondents’ Dinner has served as a celebration of a free press and the vital role of journalism in our democracy for over a century. When gunfire interrupted this year’s event, it further clarified the WHCA’s mission to advocate for the freedoms that are protected in the First Amendment,” Jiang said. “We will not allow an act of violence to have the last word, especially during a year when we are reflecting on the 250th anniversary of America and everything we stand for.”

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White House Correspondents Association Plans New Dinner for July 24 With Heightened Security

This year’s event had auspicious plans. President Trump, who had not attended the annual soiree during his first term in the White House, had agreed to take part and deliver remarks. But authorities ended the celebration following an incident in which a man was able to get close to the an assemblage of journalists, news executives, media honchos and government officials at the event at the Washington Hilton, and is seen as a celebration of journalism that is woven into the social calendar of the nation’s capital.

Cole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old teacher from California, was charged with attempting to assassinate the president and related crimes.

“This dinner will not only be an opportunity to carry out our program. It will be a statement that violence has no place in American life and a free press will not be intimidated into silence.,” said Jiang. “As you have all demonstrated, courage and community can and should rise above.” She did not indicate in her letter whether President Trump planned to attend.

“Rescheduling was not automatic. It was a choice that the WHCA board made after thoughtful consideration and input from our members. I want to thank board members for the time and care they brought to this decision, particularly on the security front. The event will feature significantly enhanced safety measures and new access procedures. We will share additional details directly with attendees,” Jiang said, adding: “Our thoughts remain with the officer who was injured and with everyone who experienced that evening. We are indebted to the US Secret Service, law enforcement and the hotel staff whose swift response protected our guests and our staff.”