The White House Correspondents’ Association announced Tuesday that its annual dinner has been rescheduled for July 24, nearly three months after the event was postponed following a violent security incident that rattled Washington.

The prestigious black-tie event had originally been set for April 25. Organizers delayed the gathering after alleged would-be assassin Cole Tomas Allen reportedly charged a security checkpoint carrying a rifle and shot a Secret Service agent, whose bulletproof vest prevented a more serious injury.

According to investigators, Allen later outlined his intentions in a manifesto, stating that he sought to assassinate President Donald Trump along with as many members of his Cabinet as possible. He remains in custody while awaiting trial.

In a message sent to members of the White House press corps, WHCA President Weijia Jiang said the organization remains committed to the principles the event is meant to honor.

“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,” WHCA president Weijia Jiang said in an email to members of the press corps.

Jiang said the violence surrounding the original event date only reinforced the importance of the organization’s mission and the constitutional protections journalists rely upon.

“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. 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.”

It remains unclear whether President Trump will attend the rescheduled dinner, as no announcement regarding his plans has yet been made.

{Matzav.com}