Trump and his officials ‘likely’ targets of suspected gunman, acting attorney general says – follow live

Bernd Debusmann Jr
White House reporter

Image source, Reuters

There is an odd feeling in Washington this morning, now about 14 hours since the shooting took place.

Many reporters and other attendees at the dinner have been exchanging messages, describing what they saw from their vantage points and how the rest of their evening went.

Many – perhaps most – of the journalists immediately got to work last night, sprinting or biking to the White House or their bureaus in their evening wear.

But now that things are calmer, many are trying to piece together the evening.

Small details that one might not have remembered in the moment are beginning to emerge.

In my own case, I’ve now realised that I missed being much closer to the shooting by just a few moments.

A friend of mine – a journalist at a European broadcaster – reminded me that we both had a brief conversation while walking to the bathrooms, which were located just feet from where the incident took place. I made it back to my seat, but she was forced to shelter in place in the bathroom.

Several after parties still took place last night amid hightened security measures, and a general absence of reporters. Others are planned for today.

The shooting will dominate conversation in Washington today.

There are no public events or remarks on President Trump’s public schedule today, although he is expected to give a television interview shortly.