The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Kash Patel, has spoken about the gunfire that broke out near the Correspondents Association dinner attended by United States President Donald Trump.
Patel praised the quick response of law enforcement officers and confirmed that a full federal investigation is now underway.
Recall that NPO earlier reported that President Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, were rushed out of the dinner venue after the shooting happened at the Washington DC Hilton Hotel.
Speaking after the incident, Patel said officers acted fast to stop the suspect and protect people inside the hotel.
He said Secret Service agents responded immediately, neutralised the threat and helped keep thousands of guests safe.
Patel also praised the cooperation between the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Metropolitan Police Department.
According to him, the joint effort helped secure the area without delay.
Patel confirmed that investigators have taken charge of the evidence response operation.
He said officers are examining all items recovered at the scene.
Authorities are also reviewing ballistic evidence, including a long gun and shell casings found after the shooting.
Patel added that witness interviews had already started.
He said more updates would be provided by officials at the scene, including city leaders and the head of the local FBI field office.
The FBI has asked members of the public with any knowledge of the shooting to come forward, urging anyone with useful information to contact the bureau through its public hotline; 1-800-CALL-FBI
According to him, investigators will review every tip carefully as they work to determine the motive behind the attack.
According to him, authorities are now examining the suspect’s background.
Patel said investigators would analyse all available evidence quickly to protect the public and prevent any wider threat.
“We will be examining this individual’s background thoroughly. That process has already started, and we are going to ensure whether he was either a lone wolf actor or if anyone else was responsible.”