Lafayette Square Park reopens after shooting at Trump rally

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now )—The District is on high alert after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is increasing police presence across the city. Officers shut down Lafayette Square Park which is right in front of the White House. However, the U.S. Secret Service reopened the park to the public on Monday morning.

Armed Secret Service police were patrolling the area after the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

D.C. police said it is now working with local, state, and federal law enforcement to monitor the events in Butler, Pennsylvania. That’s where the gunman opened fire at that Trump rally.

D.C. Police Chief, Pamela Smith said she has also briefed Mayor Muriel Bowser on the shooting.

Mayor Bowser posted on X calling for an end to gun violence and political violence. Meanwhile, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said he is praying for the former president and that “we will fix this, together, by being Americans.”

Many other local leaders are echoing the call for unity and visitors to the Capitol are also pleading for the same.

“I still feel that we are seriously divided,” said visitor Lamont Stephens. “I wish we weren’t, I wish that the political parties wouldn’t create hatred. It’s not going to make a difference 10 years from now.”

MPD said there are no know threats to the district at this time.

The department is urging the community to remain vigilant and said if you see something, say something.

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