White House to review Trump security after Washington shooting
The White House is set to review security arrangements for Donald Trump, the US President, following the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, as officials assess how an armed suspect was able to get close to a high-profile event.
A senior official said Chief of Staff Susie Wiles will convene a meeting with the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security to examine protocols for major presidential events. The review comes after a suspect, identified as Cole Tomas Allen, opened fire near a ballroom hosting more than 2,000 guests, injuring a federal agent before being subdued.
Despite scrutiny, the administration has publicly backed the Secret Service, with officials saying the response prevented further harm. Trump is expected to attend several major public events in the coming months, including celebrations marking 250 years of US independence.
Suspect charged with attempted assassination over Washington attack
A California man has been charged with attempting to assassinate Trump following the shooting at a Washington dinner, in a case that underscores rising security concerns.
Prosecutors say Allen, 31, carried multiple weapons, including a semi-automatic handgun, a shotgun, and knives, as he forced his way past a security checkpoint. He faces charges including assault and attempted murder of a federal officer, which could carry a life sentence if convicted.
Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general said a Secret Service agent was struck in the chest but survived due to a ballistic vest. The suspect did not enter a plea during his initial court appearance and is due back in court later this week.
Read also: 7 world leaders with the most assassination attempts
King Charles begins US visit amid tensions over Iran conflict
King Charles III has arrived in the United States for a four-day state visit, as diplomatic tensions linger over the Iran conflict.
The visit, marking 250 years since American independence, includes meetings with Trump and an address to Congress. The King and Queen Camilla were welcomed at the White House, with events planned in Washington and New York.
The trip comes at a sensitive moment, with differences between London and Washington over the war with Iran and heightened security following the recent shooting incident.
Train collision near Jakarta leaves four dead, dozens injured
At least four people have been killed and dozens injured after two trains collided near Jakarta, in one of the country’s latest rail accidents.
Authorities said a stationary commuter train was struck from behind by another train on the same track. Emergency crews are continuing rescue operations, with some passengers still trapped in the wreckage.
Indonesia’s rail network has faced longstanding safety challenges linked to ageing infrastructure and maintenance issues, contributing to repeated accidents in recent years.
Sri Lankan monks arrested over large cannabis haul
Sri Lankan authorities have arrested 22 Buddhist monks after discovering more than 100kg of cannabis hidden in their luggage at an airport in Colombo.
Officials said the drugs were concealed in false compartments, with each monk allegedly carrying several kilograms. A further suspect believed to have organised the operation has also been detained.
Police said the group had returned from a trip to Thailand and claimed they had been told the packages were donations.
AFRICA
Chad clashes kill dozens as dispute escalates
At least 42 people have been killed in eastern Chad after a local dispute over a water well spiralled into wider ethnic violence.
Officials said the conflict spread rapidly, with villages burned and multiple casualties reported. The government has deployed a delegation to restore order and prevent further escalation.
Such clashes are common in Chad, often driven by competition over land and water, tensions that have intensified with the influx of refugees from neighbouring Sudan.
South Sudan plane crash kills all on board
A passenger plane has crashed near Juba, killing all 15 people on board, authorities have confirmed.
The aircraft lost contact shortly after takeoff, with initial reports suggesting poor weather conditions may have played a role.
Investigators have been dispatched to determine the cause.
South Sudan’s aviation sector has a poor safety record, with multiple crashes recorded in recent years due to ageing aircraft and weak regulatory oversight.
Piracy threat rises off Somalia after ship seizure
Maritime authorities have warned of a growing piracy threat off the coast of Somalia after another vessel was seized.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations said the ship was redirected into Somali waters by unauthorised persons, marking one of several recent incidents. The agency has raised the threat level and advised vessels to exercise caution.
Piracy had declined in recent years but appears to be resurging, with multiple hijackings reported in the past week.
IMF approves $266m support package for Liberia
The International Monetary Fund has approved a $266m financial arrangement for Liberia, aimed at supporting economic stability.
An initial disbursement has already been made, with further funds tied to reforms. The programme is expected to help the country manage fiscal pressures and strengthen its economy.
Sudan bans imports to curb currency slide
Sudan has imposed sweeping restrictions on imports in an effort to stabilise its currency, which has weakened sharply amid ongoing conflict.
The measures target a wide range of goods deemed non-essential, including food items, plastics, and industrial inputs. Officials hope the move will reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The Sudanese pound has fallen significantly in recent months, reflecting the economic strain of prolonged instability and external shocks.
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